Viagra’s Active Ingredient May Also Help Stop Cancer From Spreading

A recent study found that sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, may stop cancer from metastasizing. BSIP/Getty Images Researchers report that the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra may help slow the spread of cancer. Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, appears to interfere with cancer cells’ ability to metastasize and travel to other parts of the body. More research is needed to determine if Viagra would be more effective against certain types of cancer and whether the drug can benefit both males and females. The erectile dysfunction drug Viagra may be effective in slowing the spread of cancer, according to a new study. Researchers said Viagra’s active ingredient, sildenafil, shows the potential to interfere with cancer cells’ ability to metastasize and travel around the body. They said sildenafil accomplishes this feat by blocking cancer cells’ access to cholesterol, a building block that allows tumors to metastasize. The researchers said male participants who’d used Viagra before being diagnosed with cancer had better overall survival rates than those who hadn’t taken the drug. They added that the survival rate was even higher for males who took both Vi…