arthritis (Luer 2).
The primary proponent of the benefits of shark cartilage has been Dr. I. William Lane. In
his book, Sharks Still Don?t Get Cancer, Lane claims that ?use of whole shark cartilage has
proven so effective as an alternative cancer therapy that it is now being studied in human clinical
trials conducted under the auspices of the United States Food and Drug Administration? (6).
The benefit of shark cartilage is touted as a therapy which stops the formation of new blood
vessels and, therefore, prevents the growth of cancerous tumors. This process was named
antiangiogenesis (anti = against, angio = blood, genesis = formation of) (8).
Research continues with the basking shark as a subject. In 1989, it was reported by Jing
Chen that an oil emulsion from the ?Cetorhinus maximus is a brand-new anti-carcinoma medicine
made from marine organisms. Marked improvement of the patient?s condition such as weight
increase, partial shrinkage of the swollen lump and life extension constitute the distinctive features
of oil emulsion of Cetorhinus maximus? (41-45).
Results of the largest current study announced in May, 1997, by the non-profit Cancer
Treatment Research Foundation in Arlington Heights, Illinois, were disappointing. The research
found that Cartilade brand shark cartilage was ineffective against advanced cases of breast, colon,
lung, and prostate cancer. None of the forty-seven patients showed even partial tumor reduction
after twelve weeks (Environmental Nutrition 7).
Although Lane?s work continues to be followed, research attempts to verify his work has
not been satisfactory. It was during a feature story on 60 Minutes when Mike Wallace
interviewed Lane in Cuba that the story became well-known in America. The results of the report
were inconclusive but the interest of the American people had been whetted (Braun 5).
The value of the shark has yet to be fully determined as a medical treatment for human
disease. However, the current investigations certainly have opened new areas of study for these
massive creatures of the warm oceans who have existed for millions of years. The shark may be
the key to man?s future.
The Basking Shark: Hope for the Future?
Introduction – What are the biological characteristics, habitat, and value of basking sharks?
I. Interrelated life forms populate the oceans.
A. Photoplankton synthesize food.
B. Small fish consume photoplankton.
C. Zooplankton eats minute plants.
D. Food chain ends with large creatures.
E. Some of the largest creatures feed on the smallest.
II. Ocean creatures feed at various depths of the sea.
A. Most large creatures gather at the top layer of the ocean.
B. Small creatures feed on organic debris deep in the ocean.
III. Fish species include 340 members.
A. Skates
B. Rays
C. Chimeras
D. Sharks
IV. Location of sharks
A. Marine waters
B. Tropical seas
C. Subtropical waters
V. Length of the shark varies.
A. Whale shark as great as 49 feet
B. Cookie-cutter shark as small as 19 inches
VI. Agressiveness varies.
A. Most appear to be aggressive carnivores.
B. Some of the largest are plankton-eaters.
VII. Sharks have not changed from the Cretaceous Period.
A. Caused by great diversity in behavior
B. Variety of sizes
C. Excellent adaptation skills
VIII. Sharks belong to class Chondrichthyes.
A. Scientific names of sharks
B. Skeletons of Chondrichthyans are made of cartilage.
IX. Specific characteristics of the basking shark.
A. Found in temperate oceans
B. Length up to 43 feet
C. Swims near surface
D. Feeds on plankton
E. Enormous fish
F. Mouth is large
G. Gill slits
H. Originally hunted for its liver oil
I. Not known to be dangerous
J. Color blends with environment
K. Fusiform body
L. Placoid Scales
M. Characteristics of the head
N. Characteristics of the teeth
X. Scientists have recorded measurements of the basking shark.
A. Babies are five to six feet at birth.
B. Pacific Ocean basking sharks
C. Atlantic Ocean basking sharks
D. Others have observed lengths from 35 – 50 feet.
XI. Sharks have been observed in many places.
A. Gulf of Maine swimming alone
B. Northeastern United States in large numbers
C. In winter, they move to warm climate
D. Known boundaries
XII. Breeding patterns are largely unknown.
A. Produce live young
B. Ovaries contain six million immature eggs.
XIII. Sharks have been studied as a cure for cancer.
A. Ability to resist disease
B. Few tumors have been discovered by Smithsonian Institution
C. Do not form tumors when exposed to cancer-causing material
D. Studies may lead to help for cancer patients.
E. Several science labs have studied the use of shark cartilage for cancer cures.
1. Dr. I. William Lane – Sharks Still Don?t Get Cancer
2. Jing Chen in 1989
3. Cancer Treatment Research Foundation study is disappointing.
4. Current studies indicate inconclusive results.
Conclusion: Current investigations and modern knowledge of the basking shark have opened new
areas of study with implications for the health of man.
Works Cited
?Basking Shark,? 98 Encyclopedia. Computer Software. California: Microsoft Encarta, 1998.
CD-ROM.
Bigelow and Schroeder. ?Fishes of the Gulf of Maine.? United States Government Printing
Office, 1953. Online. Internet. 25 Apr. 1998. Available: http://www.bigelowand
shroeder.com.
Braun, Wendy R. ?A Different Kind of Shark Attack (Shark Cartilage for Cancer Prevention).?
Medical Update. Abstract. Health Reference Center. Las Vegas-Clark County Library
District. 26 Apr. 1998. Sept. 1996: 5.
Chen, Jing, Weiguo Wang, Huozhong Zhang, et. al. ?Oil Emulsion of Cetorhinus Maximus in
Treating Malignant Tumors: A Clinical Observation of 45 Cases.? Online. Internet. 25
Apr. 1998. 41-45. Available: J.-MAR.-DRUGS-HAIYANG-YAOWU.
Lane, Dr. I William and Linda Comac. Sharks Still Don?t Get Cancer. Garden City Park, New
York: Avery Publishing Group, 1996.
Luer, Dr. Carl A. ?Sharks and Cancer.? Online. Internet. 25 Apr. 1998. Available:
http://marinelab. sarasota.fl.us/~rhueter/sharks/cancer.phtml.
?Shark,? 98 Encyclopedia. Computer Software. California: Microsoft Encarta, 1998.
CD-ROM.
?Shark Facts and Stats: General Characteristics.? Online. Internet. 25 Apr. 1998. Available:
http://www.marinelab.sarasota.fl.us/~rhueter/sharks/char.phtml.
?So Far, Shark Cartilage Is a Fishy Treatment For Cancer.? Environmental Nutrition. Abstract.
Health Reference Center. Las Vegas-Clark County Library District. 26 Apr. 1998. Sept.
1997: 7.
Whipple, A.B.C. Restless Oceans. Planet Earth Ser. Alexandria, Virginia: Time-Life Books,
1983.