trophoblastic theory of cancer
trophoblastic theory of cancer
PseudomedicineA posit proposed by John Beard (1858–1924), a comparative embryologist at the University of Edinburgh, that trophoblastic cells (those involved in forming the placenta) can become cancerous when they express themselves at the wrong place at the wrong time. Beard believed that pancreatic enzymes could be used to treat cancer, but his results did not support his assertion; according to extant supporters of this theory, Beard’s enzymes were too crude.