Camel milk transforms into a symbol of hope in cancer treatment.

Camel Milk: The Unexpected Weapon in the Fight Against Esophageal Cancer

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Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"New research explores how a unique compound in Bactrian camel milk could revolutionize cancer treatment."


Esophageal cancer is a formidable global health challenge, ranking as the eighth most common malignancy and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. This aggressive disease is characterized by significant geographical variations, with alarmingly high incidence rates in regions like northwestern Xinjiang, China, where mortality can reach a staggering 150 per 100,000 individuals. The two primary histological types, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), present unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment.

Current therapeutic strategies for esophageal cancer primarily rely on chemotherapy, with a dishearteningly low five-year survival rate of less than 15% for ESCC patients. This grim reality underscores the urgent need for innovative preventive measures and alternative treatments. Amidst this search, dietary interventions have emerged as a promising avenue for health promotion and cancer prevention. Camel milk, celebrated for its extraordinary medicinal properties, has garnered attention for its potential benefits in managing various ailments, including diabetes, hepatitis, allergies, and even autism. Traditional claims from Xinjiang, Uygur, suggest that camel milk could combat serious diseases, including ESCC, though rigorous scientific validation has been lacking.

Now, groundbreaking research is shedding light on the anti-cancer potential of camel milk, specifically focusing on an active fraction known as TR35 extracted from Xinjiang Bactrian camel whey. A new study delves into the effects of TR35 on human cancer cells, utilizing both in vitro and in vivo models of human esophageal carcinoma. This article explores the exciting findings of this research, revealing how TR35 could revolutionize the approach to esophageal cancer treatment.

How Does TR35 Combat Cancer Cells?

Camel milk transforms into a symbol of hope in cancer treatment.

The study meticulously examined the impact of TR35 on Eca109 esophageal cancer cells, revealing significant anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects. In vitro experiments demonstrated that TR35 markedly inhibited Eca109 cell proliferation and induced apoptosis, as evidenced by MTT assays, Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Detection, and caspase-3 activity measurements. Notably, TR35 also demonstrated the ability to impede the growth of xenografted tumors in nude mice without causing body weight loss, highlighting its potential as a targeted therapy with minimal side effects.

To further elucidate the mechanisms of action, researchers employed advanced transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, combining RNA-Seq and 2-DE with Mass Spectrometry. These sophisticated techniques allowed for the identification of differentially expressed RNA and protein markers associated with apoptosis and necrosis. Compared to untreated Eca109 cells, TR35-treated cells exhibited a total of 405 differentially expressed genes and 55 differentially expressed proteins. KEGG analysis pinpointed key signaling pathways closely linked to cancer inhibition that were enriched in the TR35-treated cells.

Key findings include:
  • MTT Assay: TR35 significantly reduces the proliferation of Eca109 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
  • Apoptosis Induction: TR35 triggers apoptosis in Eca109 cells, with notable increases in early and late apoptotic cells.
  • Nuclear Fragmentation: Fluorescence microscopy reveals that TR35 treatment leads to nuclear fragmentation in Eco109 cells.
  • Caspase-3 Activation: TR35 increases caspase-3 activity in a dose-dependent manner, confirming its role in apoptosis.
  • Gene Expression Changes: RNA-Seq analysis identifies 405 differentially expressed genes, with significant involvement in pathways related to cancer.
  • Protein Expression Changes: Proteomic analysis reveals 55 differentially expressed proteins, highlighting potential targets for cancer inhibition.
These results suggest that TR35 exerts its anti-cancer effects by modulating multiple pathways involved in cell growth, apoptosis, and stress response. The downregulation of specific proteins identified in this study may be the cause of tumor growth inhibition.

The Future of TR35 in Cancer Treatment

This pioneering research illuminates the potential therapeutic advantages of TR35, derived from Xinjiang Bactrian camel milk, in combating esophageal cancer. As scientists continue to unravel the intricate mechanisms of TR35, it holds promise as a novel agent in the fight against this deadly disease. Further research and clinical trials will pave the way for integrating TR35 into cancer treatment strategies, potentially offering a more natural and effective approach to improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

1

What is TR35 and how does it relate to camel milk and esophageal cancer treatment?

TR35 is a special fraction extracted from Xinjiang Bactrian camel milk whey. Recent research indicates that TR35 has anti-cancer properties, particularly against esophageal cancer. The study demonstrates that TR35 inhibits the proliferation of Eca109 esophageal cancer cells and induces apoptosis. This suggests that TR35 could be developed as a novel therapeutic agent for esophageal cancer treatment. The research also revealed that TR35 has the ability to impede the growth of xenografted tumors in nude mice without causing body weight loss.

2

What are the key findings regarding TR35's impact on Eca109 esophageal cancer cells?

The study revealed that TR35 has significant effects on Eca109 esophageal cancer cells. Key findings include the reduction of cell proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner through MTT assays. TR35 triggers apoptosis, leading to an increase in early and late apoptotic cells, and also causes nuclear fragmentation. Furthermore, TR35 activates caspase-3, which confirms its role in apoptosis. RNA-Seq analysis showed 405 differentially expressed genes, and proteomic analysis revealed 55 differentially expressed proteins, highlighting pathways related to cancer inhibition.

3

How was the impact of TR35 on cancer cells measured, and what methods were used to understand its mechanism of action?

The impact of TR35 on cancer cells was evaluated using in vitro and in vivo models of human esophageal carcinoma. In vitro experiments utilized MTT assays, Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Detection, and caspase-3 activity measurements to assess anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on Eca109 cells. In vivo experiments involved assessing the effect of TR35 on xenografted tumors in nude mice. Researchers employed advanced transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, combining RNA-Seq and 2-DE with Mass Spectrometry to identify differentially expressed RNA and protein markers associated with apoptosis and necrosis.

4

Why is esophageal cancer a significant global health challenge, and what are the current treatment limitations?

Esophageal cancer is a major global health concern, ranking as the eighth most common malignancy and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. This aggressive disease has high incidence rates, particularly in regions like northwestern Xinjiang, China. Current therapeutic strategies primarily involve chemotherapy, which has a low five-year survival rate of less than 15% for ESCC patients. These limitations underscore the urgent need for innovative treatments and preventive measures.

5

What are the potential implications of using TR35 from Xinjiang Bactrian camel milk in esophageal cancer treatment, and what future steps are planned?

The research findings suggest that TR35, derived from Xinjiang Bactrian camel milk, has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of esophageal cancer. The ability of TR35 to inhibit cancer cell proliferation, induce apoptosis, and impede tumor growth in mice highlights its potential as a novel therapeutic agent. Future steps involve further research and clinical trials to integrate TR35 into cancer treatment strategies, which could offer a more natural and effective approach to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. The study of TR35 can also lead to the discovery of new targets for cancer inhibition, thanks to the RNA-Seq and proteomic analysis results.

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