Research breakthrough for painful condition

The painful symptoms of endometriosis could potentially be reduced with a drug previously investigated as a cancer treatment, according to research.

Experts found using dichloroacetate to treat the cells of women with endometriosis lowered the production of lactate, a potentially harmful waste product, and stopped abnormal cell growth.

Endometriosis affects 176 million women worldwide and is caused by the growth of lesions.

Lead researcher Professor Andrew Horne, of the MRC Centre for Reproductive Health at University of Edinburgh,said:“endometriosis can be a life-changing condition for so many women.

“Now that we understand better the metabolism of the cells in women that have endometriosis, we can work to develop a non-hormonal treatment.”