Cartilage from cows (bovine cartilage) and sharks has been studied as a treatment for cancer and other medical conditions for more than 30 years (see Question 2).
Laboratory and animal studies have looked at whether bovine and shark cartilage products can kill cancer cells, make the immune system more active against cancer, and prevent the body from making the new blood vessels that a tumor needs to grow (see Question 5).
Clinical trials (research studies with people) are under way to study cartilage as a cancer treatment for humans (see Question 6).
Studies to date have not proven cartilage to be an effective treatment for cancer in people (see Question 6).