Last Updated January 31, 2024

 January 31, 2024

Peptide researchers may have heard of the “gastric pentadecapeptide body protection compound” or BPC-157. It has been billed by some researchers as the next big thing in tissue regeneration, potentially helping test subjects recover from sprains, muscle tears, and even stomach ulcers.

It seems like BPC-157 has plenty of potential. 

But what about…BPC-157 and cancer?

This guide will explain everything that researchers must know about BPC-157 including its purported benefits, side effects, and its link to cancer. For those unfamiliar with BCP-157, a full overview of BPC-157 can be found below.

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What is BPC-157?

BPC-157 is a pentadecapeptide, which is a fancy name for a series of 15 amino acids that are held together by peptide bonds. It is also commonly known as Bepecin [1], PL-10, and PL 14736 [2].

This peptide was first identified in the Journal of Physiology in 1993 [3]. It is not found naturally in nature and is made in a lab, so it is classified as a synthetic peptide.

But it isn't really synthetic—it’s derived directly from a protein that is found in the human gut. It is basically one part of a protein that is naturally produced in the digestive system [4].

There's some strong evidence that BPC-157 has beneficial effects on test subjects, especially in terms of healing and regeneration. The “BPC” in the name, which stands for “body protecting compound”, describes exactly what BPC purportedly does – protects and heals tissue [4].


bpc-157 and cancer


BPC-157 and Cancer | The Reality

What about its application to cancer? Can it help? Does it hurt?

To start, let's be clear that there has not been much research looking at the effects of BPC-157 on cancer, so our knowledge is very limited.

At this time, the overall effects of BPC-157 on cancer are not known. BPC-157 is certainly NOT a cancer cure. At all.

However, the research that does exist is worth a bit of exploration…

Possible Contributor to Cancer

One study investigated the role of BPC-157 on blood vessels. It found that BPC was a very strong angiomodulatory agent, which means it affects how blood vessels are made [5]. The research suggests that BPC may help to heal tissue by increasing blood flow. It does this through angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, which are big terms that basically mean helping to create new arteries and veins.

But researchers also point out that blood vessels are involved in the creation of tumors as well. Some researchers speculate that, by helping create new blood vessels to tissue, BPC-157 could also help supply the blood that supports cancerous tissue growth [5].

It is important to note that no studies show that BPC-157 could support cancerous tissue growth.

While some researchers speculate that it could play a role in supporting cancerous tissue growth [5], there have not been any studies to date that have linked BPC to tumor growth [4].

Cancer Prevention

On the other hand, some researchers have suggested that BPC-157 could actually help to prevent certain forms of cancer.

These findings are far from conclusive.

Still, some drugs, like haloperidol, which is used to treat mental disorders like schizophrenia, have been found to cause damage to the stomach lining [6]. Stomach lining damage, including lesions and ulcers, can sometimes become cancerous [7].

One study found that BPC-157 could be useful in preventing lesions that form in the lining of the stomach as a result of taking haloperidol [8]. In the study, mice were given haloperidol. They formed stomach lesions. However, the researchers found that BPC-157 significantly reduced the size of the stomach lesions [8].

By helping to prevent damage to the stomach that can sometimes lead to cancerous tumors, BPC-157 may help to reduce the chances of developing cancerous stomach ulcers.

In another study, researchers found that BPC-157 had an inhibitory effect on skin cancer cells in humans. That means that there is some very preliminary evidence that it can slow down skin cancer growth [9].

Again, the research is not settled yet, but some initial signs suggest BPC-157 isn't a net negative when talking about cancer.

Treating Cancer Side-Effects

There is research showing that BPC-157 may help treat some of the side effects of the drugs used to treat cancer.

One popular chemotherapy drug is cyclophosphamide. Cyclophosphamide is effective at killing cancer cells, but it also has several unfortunate side effects. One of those is causing lesions in the stomach [10].

BPC-157 to the rescue.

One study looked at the effect of BPC-157 in rats that were given cyclophosphamide [10]. The study found that rats who were also given BPC had much smaller stomach lesions than rats that were not given the peptide.

The researchers concluded that BPC-157 is a “very safe anti-ulcer peptide.” The study suggests that people might be able to use this peptide to reduce the damage that some chemotherapy drugs do to the digestive system.

It might also be effective in treating cancer cachexia.

Cachexia, also known as wasting syndrome, is a condition where a person loses body mass, including both muscle and fat. It's usually caused by an underlying medical condition like cancer or AIDS [11].

About half of all cancer patients suffer from cachexia at some point. That number rises to 80% in terminal cancer patients [11]. Cachexia is a problem because it causes lots of other complications, including death. Some estimate that 20% of cancer deaths actually result from cachexia [12].

The exact mechanism is not clear, but some studies have found that BCP-157 can help in the treatment of cachexia resulting from cancer [12].


Does BPC-157 Actually Work?

While there isn’t a lot of research on how BPC-157 interacts with cancer, it appears that it could be useful in preventing and addressing the side effects of cancer. But we still don’t know. Nothing is proven as of yet.

The effects of BPC on wound healing are much clearer:

It absolutely can help test subjects regenerate tissue.

Lots of evidence has found that it can help to improve inflammatory bowel disease [13], the ability for ligaments [14] and tendons to heal [14, 15], for muscles to heal [4], and for bones to heal [16]. It also appears to help skin regrow [17] and some research in rats also suggests that it can regenerate spinal tissue [18].

It also appears that it could be effective in a number of different delivery methods. In rat trials, benefits for healing were found when BPC-157 was taken:

  • Orally, in pill form;
  • Orally, dissolved in drinking water;
  • Topically, in a cream;
  • Topically, in a dermal patch
  • Injected using a syringe [4]

BPC-157 Benefits and Uses

What are the purported benefits of BPC-157?

Well, there are many. Some are better supported in the research than others, but here's a big list of the benefits one could find from using it:

  • Heals of tendons and ligaments: Some researchers have suggested that BPC-157 could one day be considered as an alternative to reconstructive surgery [15, 22].
  • Repairs damage of painkillers: Some drugs, like Advil and Ibuprofen, can damage the gut lining. Researchers have said that BPC-157 may be an “antidote” to these effects [19].
  • Reduces symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease: Studies have shown that it can effectively repair damage from inflammatory bowel disease in rodents, and may do the same in human test subjects [20].
  • Help cure periodontitis: Studies in rats show promise for the ability of BPC-157 to help repair tissue in the mouth and may be a candidate in treating periodontal disease [23].
  • Accelerate bone healing: Much research has shown that BPC-157 can help speed up the recovery of damage to bones and the attachment of ligaments to bones [4].
  • Has anti-ulcer effects: As described above, BPC-157 has demonstrated that it has potent rejuvenation properties for the digestive system including in healing and preventing ulcers [20].
  • Wound healing: Some research also demonstrates that it can accelerate skin and wound healing, including wounds from burns [17].

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BPC-157 Side Effects

Okay, there are lots of potential benefits of BPC-157… but what are the side effects?

The side effects of BPC-157 seem to be minimal. It’s generally considered to be a safe substance because it is made directly from proteins that we already produce in our bodies [4].

In fact, research in several trials has found no side effects in humans at all [20, 21].

However, there has also been very little research on BPC-157 use in humans, so scientists have not had a chance to determine its toxicity.

We don’t have any information on whether there are side effects for prolonged use. It could be that some side effects have not yet been found by researchers.

Some side effects that are common in BPC-157 and other peptides include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness/fatigue
  • Slightly elevated blood pressure
  • Nausea
  • Redness/pain in the area of injection
  • Increase in appetite

While many test subjects have not experienced any side effects as a result of BPC-157, it is important for researchers to understand the risks and how to potentially mitigate them.


bpc-157 and cancer


Where to Buy BPC-157 Online? | 2024 Edition

There are many sites where researchers can buy BPC-157 online. However, peptide quality can vary drastically from one vendor to the next.

To assist researchers, our team has reviewed the top peptide vendors and rated them according to their quality, prices, and reliability.

Here are the top research peptides vendors to purchase BPC-157 from:

Limitless Life

Limitless Life is our top-rated research peptides vendor here at Peptides.org. This is especially true when talking about BPC-157.

Here’s what this vendor does exceptionally well:

  • Third-Purity Testing: Limitless Life is focused on one thing: producing the purest peptides around. As such, this vendor works with multiple third-party labs that offer purity testing via HPLC-MS analysis. They run every batch of research peptides they producing through this testing process. This ensures Limitless Life only offers the purest research peptides, like BPC-157.
  • Rapid Shipping Options: The majority of orders from Limitless Life ship the same day they are placed. This ensures researchers can get to work quickly. They're able to do so by offer FedEx two-day shipping standard. They also have overnight options available for domestic researchers. Lastly, Limitless Life does ship internationally to researchers around the globe.
  • Cheap Shipping Insurance: Limitless Life is unique in that they have shipping insurance available to researchers. This offers peace of mind and confidence to the research community.
  • Premier Service and Support: Limitless Life offers some of the best phone and email support in the industry. With 7-days a week support available to researchers, no question will go unread with this company.
  • Multiple Payment Options: Limitless Life also takes credit cards, which is important. They also have e-check, Cash App, and cryptocurrency payments. Many of these payment options offer a 10% discount to researchers, too.

For researchers looking for BPC-157 nasal spray and/or capsules,  Limitless Life offers both unique formulations:

Finally, all qualified researchers can get an additional 10% discount on the next order when buying from Limitless Life. Simply click the button below and make sure to add this code:

peptidesorg10

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Research Chemical

Research Chemical is another great option for researchers looking for high-quality BPC-157 and more.

Here are a few things this company does well.

  • Purity Testing: Research Chemical takes all BPC-157 batches and gets them tested by third-party labs to ensure purity. This allows the company to produce high-quality and safe BPC-157 for the research community.
  • Responsive Support and Service: Researchers have access to a dedicated support team when working with Research Chemical. All peptide or order-related inquiries can expect a response in around one business day.
  • Quick Shipping Options: Research Chemical strives to offer same-day or next-day shipping on all peptide orders. In doing so, the company gets researchers their peptides quickly and efficiently.

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BPC-157 and Bacteriostatic Water

When it comes to reconstituting, injecting, and storing BPC-157, a researcher must have the requisite supplies for proper handling.

Sterile vials, bacteriostatic water, and more are just a few of the materials needed.

The experts at Peptides.org are pleased to give our top recommendation for the purchase of supplies required for peptide research.

Click here to learn more.


BPC-157 and Cancer | The Verdict

So, to recap, what does the research say about BPC-157 and cancer?

Well, it’s not yet clear. The research about BPC-157 and cancer is still in its infancy, so we don't know exactly what the effects are.

Much of the research on BPC-157 has also been done with rodents, which limits our understanding of what effects this peptide may have in human test subjects. For that reason, we don’t know much about BPC-157 and cancer.

For researchers looking to source the highest-quality BPC-157 from a reputable company, check out our top-rated vendor.


References

  1. Cox, H. D., Miller, G. D., & Eichner, D. (2017). Detection and in vitro metabolism of the confiscated peptides BPC-157 and MGF R23H. Drug Testing and Analysis, 9(10), 1490-1498. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/dta.2152
  2. Tkalčević, V. I., Čužić, S., Brajša, K., Mildner, B., Bokulić, A., Šitum, K., … & Parnham, M. J. (2007). Enhancement by PL 14736 of granulation and collagen organization in healing wounds and the potential role of egr-1 expression. European Journal of Pharmacology, 570(1-3), 212-221. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0014299907006206
  3. Sikirić, P., Petek, M., Ručman, R., Seiwerth, S., Grabarević, Z., Rotkvić, I., … & Lang, N. (1993). A new gastric juice peptide, BPC. An overview of the stomach-stress-organoprotection hypothesis and beneficial effects of BPC. Journal of Physiology-Paris, 87(5), 313-327. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/ pii/092842579390038U
  4. Gwyer, D., Wragg, N. M., & Wilson, S. L. (2019). Gastric pentadecapeptide body protection compound BPC-157 and its role in accelerating musculoskeletal soft tissue healing. Cell and Tissue Research, 377(2), 153-159. doi:10.1007/s00441-019-03016-8.
  5. Seiwerth, S., Brcic, L., Batelja Vuletic, L., Kolenc, D., Aralica, G., Misic, M., … & Sikiric, P. (2014). BPC-157 and blood vessels. Current Pharmaceutical Sesign, 20(7), 1121-1125. https://doi.org/10.2174/13816128113199990421
  6. Hu, M., Zheng, P., Xie, Y., Boz, Z., Yu, Y., Tang, R., … & Huang, X. F. (2018). Propionate protects haloperidol-induced neurite lesions mediated by neuropeptide Y. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 12, 743. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6196753/
  7. The Link Between Gastric Ulcers and Stomach Cancer. Retrieved May 1, 2020 from https://www.oncnursing news.com/advocacy/debbiesdream/the-link-between-gastric-ulcers-and-stomach-cancer
  8. Bilic, I., Zoricic, I., Anic, T., Separovic, J., Stancic-Rokotov, D., Mikus, D., … & Perovic, D. (2001). Haloperidol-stomach lesions attenuation by pentadecapeptide BPC-157, omeprazole, bromocriptine, but not atropine, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, ranitidine, cimetidine and misoprostol in mice. Life Sciences, 68(16), 1905-1912. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0024-3205(00)01025-0
  9. Radeljak, S., Seiwerth, S., & Sikiric, P. (2004). BPC-157 inhibits cell growth and VEGF signalling via the MAPK kinase pathway in the human melanoma cell line. Melanoma Research, 14(4), A14-A15.https://journals.lww.com/melanomaresearch/Fulltext/2004/08000/BPC_157_inhibits_ cell_growth_and_VEGF_signalling.50.aspx
  10. Luetic, K., Sucic, M., Vlainic, J., Halle, Z. B., Strinic, D., Vidovic, T., … & Kokot, A. (2017). Cyclophosphamide induced stomach and duodenal lesions as a NO-system disturbance in rats: L-NAME, L-arginine, stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC-157. Inflammopharmacology, 25(2), 255-264.
  11. Fearon, K. C., & Moses, A. G. (2002). Cancer cachexia. International Journal of Cardiology, 85(1), 73-81. doi:10.1016/S0167-5273(02)00235-8.
  12. Kang, E. A., Han, Y. M., An, J. M., Park, Y. J., Sikiric, P., Kim, D. H., … & Hahm, K. B. (2018). BPC157 as potential agent rescuing from cancer cachexia. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 24(18), 1947-1956. https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/cpd/2018/00000024/00000018/art00005
  13. Vuksic, T., Zoricic, I., Brcic, L., Sever, M., Klicek, R., Radic, B., … & Kokic, N. (2007). Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC-157 in trials for inflammatory bowel disease (PL-10, PLD-116, PL14736, Pliva, Croatia) heals ileoileal anastomosis in the rat. Surgery Today, 37(9), 768-777. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00595-006-3498-9
  14. Cerovecki, T., Bojanic, I., Brcic, L., Radic, B., Vukoja, I., Seiwerth, S., & Sikiric, P. (2010). Pentadecapeptide BPC-157 (PL 14736) improves ligament healing in the rat. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 28(9), 1155-1161. doi:10.1002/jor.21107.
  15. Chang, C. H., Tsai, W. C., Lin, M. S., Hsu, Y. H., & Pang, J. H. S. (2011). The promoting effect of pentadecapeptide BPC-157 on tendon healing involves tendon outgrowth, cell survival, and cell migration. Journal of Applied Physiology, 110(3), 774-780. https://www.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/japplphysiol.00945.2010
  16. Šebečić, B., Nikolić, V., Sikirić, P., Seiwerth, S., Šoša, T., Patrlj, L., … & Jadrijević, S. (1999). Osteogenic effect of a gastric pentadecapeptide, BPC-157, on the healing of segmental bone defect in rabbits: a comparison with bone marrow and autologous cortical bone implantation. Bone, 24(3), 195-202. https://link.springer.com /article/10.1007/s00441-019-03016-8#ref-CR33
  17. Hu, M., Zheng, P., Xie, Y., Boz, Z., Yu, Y., Tang, R., Jones, A., Zheng, K., & Huang, X. F. (2018). Propionate Protects Haloperidol-Induced Neurite Lesions Mediated by Neuropeptide Y. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 12, 743. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2018.00743
  18. Perovic, D., Kolenc, D., Bilic, V., Somun, N., Drmic, D., Elabjer, E., … & Sikiric, P. (2019). Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC-157 can improve the healing course of spinal cord injury and lead to functional recovery in rats. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 14(1), 199. https://josr-online.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13018-019-1242-6
  19. Sikiric, P., Seiwerth, S., Rucman, R., Turkovic, B., Stancic Rokotov, D., Brcic, L., … & Ilic, S. (2013). Toxicity by NSAIDs. Counteraction by stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC-157. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 19(1), 76-83. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22950504
  20. Vuksic, T., Zoricic, I., Brcic, L., Sever, M., Klicek, R., Radic, B., … & Kokic, N. (2007). Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC-157 in trials for inflammatory bowel disease (PL-10, PLD-116, PL14736, Pliva, Croatia) heals ileoileal anastomosis in the rat. Surgery Today, 37(9), 768-777. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17713731
  21. Sikiric, P., Seiwerth, S., Rucman, R., Turkovic, B., S Rokotov, D., Brcic, L., … & Ilic, S. (2012). Focus on ulcerative colitis: stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC-157. Current Medicinal Chemistry, 19(1), 126-132. https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/c mc/2012/00000019/00000001/art00017
  22. Krivic, A., Anic, T., Seiwerth, S., Huljev, D., & Sikiric, P. (2006). Achilles Detachment in Rat and Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC-157: Promoted Tendon‐to‐Bone Healing and Opposed Corticosteroid Aggravation. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 24(5), 982-989. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ jor.20096
  23. Keremi, B., Lohinai, Z., Komora, P., Duhaj, S., Borsi, K., Jobbagy-Ovari, G., … & Sikirić, P. (2009). Antiinflammatory effect of BPC-157 on experimental periodontitis in rats. Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 60(7), 115-122. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20388954

Scientifically Fact Checked by:

Dr. Mohammed Fouda, M.D

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