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Talcum powder has been used for generations to soothe babies' diaper rash and other burning irritations. But new research shows this old-time remedy can play a major medicinal role: Quelling the flow of blood to cancerous lung tumors and stunting their growth.

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University of Florida doctors treated sixteen lung cancer patients who had fluid build-up around the surface of their lungs, impairing their breathing. About half of all patients battling metastatic cancer accumulate fluid around their lungs. U-F pulmonologists first removed the foreign fluid, then, using a special scope, puffed a metered dose of talc into the space. Lung specialists have known for years that the simple powder can cause the surface of the lung to adhere to the chest wall, closing the dangerous gap that can lead to respiratory failure, but the U-F study shows just how effective it can be. The treatment also appeared to put the brakes on tumor growth.

Dr. Veena Antony / UF pulmonologist

"We've shown that talc actually causes inhibition of the growth of the tumor, it cuts off blood supply to the tumor. It chokes off the tumor at a point where it is very essential that it have blood and oxygen to grow."

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U-F doctors say the procedure, which can be done in a regular treatment suite instead of an operating room, immediately relieved shortness of breath in patients whose cancer had migrated to the lungs and chest wall. Experts hope to one day combine the talc treatment and an anticancer agent in a one-two punch against lung cancer.

Dr. Veena Antony / UF pulmonologist

"It surprised us that such a cheap, easily available product and old-fashioned product can actually have benefits to the patient both symptomatically and perhaps prolong the patient's life."

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At the University of Florida Health Science Center, I'm Mike Garrison