Shark cartilage has been talked about for quite some time as a potential treatment for various ailments. Although it is a subject that is hotly contested, shark cartilage seems to a way to treat certain kinds of cancer. Although more studies have yet to be done, this is based on the fact that after studying sharks for decades, researchers believe they have found the reason as to why sharks do not get cancer. Their theory is that the shark cartilage within the bodies of the shark may actually work to cure the cancer and cancerous cells. Since cartilage does not contain blood vessels it makes it extremely difficult for cancer to grow within it, and since sharks are comprised are large amounts of cartilage it stands to reason that if humans ingest shark cartilage as well they will not get cancer either. The cartilage produces substances within the body that block the growth of new blood vessels that would feed a cancerous tumor. Therefore by using cartilage to treat a tumor it can keep additional blood vessels from forming and cause the tumor to shrink or stop growing. Studies have been done to show as many as 25% of patients with varying degrees of cancer using shark cartilage have seen significant improvement in their cancerous tumors. Some have gone into remission and some have found their tumors to be lessened in some way. Most researchers agree that there are some definite benefits to it, but it should not replace more conventional treatment just yet. However, it can be used along side of the treatment in order to ensure better results. More studies are being completed now so it is only a matter of time before they find out conclusively how shark cartilage can help with cancer, but for now it is very promising.