Recently published results from a study at the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute have revealed that the cure for cancer could be hiding in the venom of spiders belonging to the Darling Downs funnel-web species.

According to Queensland researcher Dr. Maria Ikonomopoulou these spiders that can be found throughout eastern Australia and can cause severe symptoms of poisoning to humans, may do more good for mankind than bad.

“It’s very exciting,” Dr, Ikonomopoulou told abc.net.au in an interview.

“We found the Australian funnel-web spider peptide was better at killing melanoma cancer cells and stopping them from spreading, and it also didn’t have a toxic effect on healthy skin cells.”

As the researcher explained, venom from the funnel-web spider was extracted and chemically synthesised, revealing that it possesses anti-cancerous properties. Specifically, a peptide in the venom when tested was found that it can eliminate certain melanoma cancer cells and stop them from spreading.

Dr Maria Ikonomopoulou. Photo: QIMR Berghofer

A similar compound from a Brazilian spider has been tested in the past, but its effect was not as profound.

“Although there are are many years of research ahead,I hope that this compound could, in the future, be developed into a new treatment for melanoma,” Dr. Ikonomopoulou said.

The peptide is being tested by scientists globally in order to isolate and explore its antibiotic and anti-cancerous properties. At the same time researches are testing the findings on the Tasmanian devil, in an attempt to potentially treat a disease causing the Tasmanian devil animals to develop facial tumours.