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Avocados Might Help Treat Leukemia

Can Avocados Cure Leukemia?

The University of Waterloo announced on Monday that the school of pharmacology has made a breakthrough in leukemia research.

Professor Paul Spanguolo and his team of researchers say a lipid found in avocados can target and treat damaged leukemia stem cells in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

“The stem cell is largely responsible for the disease developing and it’s the reason why so many patients with leukemia relapse," the professor explained in a university press release.

The Canadian Cancer society estimates there will be 200,000 new cancer cases in Canada this year, with more than five per cent of patients suffering from leukemia.

Current, leukemia treatment includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or stem cell transplants. Spanguolo and his team say they have thoroughly tested the avocado-derived drug in labs and are ready to begin clinical testing.

Watch the video above to learn more about acute myeloid leukemia and Professor Spanguolo's exciting research.

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