Sea worm can counter cancer

The discovery underscores the untapped potential for medical ‘miracles and importance of protecting the ocean’s biodiversity

- Sheree Bega

A cancer-fighting compound extracted from a rare deep-sea tube worm has been discovered in South Africa's waters off the South Coast.

The compound Cephalostatin-1 is showing “exceptional promise in the fight against cancer”, including leukemia, by inhibiting cancer cell growth, the department of forestry, fisheries and the environment, has announced.

It said the anticancer compound is found in Cephalodiscus gilchristi, a marine worm commonly known as the Agar animal or acorn worm.

The compound was first detected and isolated in 1990 and the scientific breakthrough has been in the making for several years, the department said.

“This is a shining example of the treasures our oceans hold,” said the department’s minister, Dion George. “But these gifts are under threat. Protecting our oceans is not just about conserving nature, it’s about saving lives, creating jobs and securing our future.”

The United States National Cancer Institute has hailed Cephalostatin-1 as one of the most potent anticancer agents ever tested, given its potential to achieve the selective killing of cancer cells.

“This discovery underscores the untapped potential of South Africa’s marine biodiversity and the critical need to keep these waters clean, healthy, and sustainably managed,” the department said.

Beyond its health implications, the discovery of Cephalostatin-1 is opening doors for South African researchers, biotech innovators and marine scientists.

“It’s creating new opportunities in marine bioprospecting, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable development, while reinforcing South Africa’s role as a leader in global medical research,” the department said.

While cephalostatins have shown promise in preclinical studies, “clinical trials have been hampered by the difficulty in obtaining sufficient quantities of the natural compounds”, said Thobile Zulu-Molobi, a spokesperson in the office of the minister.