Some researchers are trying to purify anti-angiogenic substances from cartilage. If this effort is successful, the clinical usefulness of such substances could then be studied. For the present time, the most promising anti-angiogenic compounds are those that have been purified from sources other than cartilage or have been synthesized in the laboratory. It found no benefit for this remedy against cancer. Similarly, people recovering from surgery should not take cartilage since it may slow down the healing process.
Purity is a concern with all health food supplements, including shark cartilage.
Such products are not regulated to make sure they contain the right ingredients at the doses promised on the label. These products also may contain harmful additives, fillers, or contaminants. At this time, shark cartilage remains an unproved treatment for cancer. Evidence does not support its use as an adjunctive or complementary therapy. The American Cancer Society urges individuals with cancer to remain in the care of qualified doctors who use proven methods of treatment and approved clinical trials of promising new treatments.