A cancer research group from Goethe University has made an... unusual discovery. Apparently, the common anti-diarrhea drug loperamide is capable of killing cancer cells. Through their studies, the researchers have a mechanism which could lead to a development of new treatment strategies.

According to their report, when loperamide interacts with tumor cells, the cells produce a stress response that effectively makes them self-destruct. The study also outlines that the drug seems to work particularly well against glioblastoma cells. Glioblastoma is an incredibly devastating form of cancer that spreads rapidly and can often lead to death. The discovery could potentially turn the tide in the fight against it and reduce the cancer’s lethality.