Far North Queensland rainforest berry yields a targeted cancer therapy for dogs
While walking through the wet tropical rainforests of Far North Queensland on 11 January 2026, Timothy R Sexton photographed the distinctive, bright scarlet fruit of Fontainea picrosperma resting on the damp leaf litter. Known locally as the blushwood tree, this rare rainforest species grows only in small pockets of the Atherton Tablelands, producing seeds that hold one of the most remarkable botanical discoveries in modern oncology.
Biotechnology researchers at Queensland's QBiotics discovered that a small diterpene ester isolated from the seeds, named tigilanol tiglate (initially known as EBC-46), possesses an unusual dual mode of action against solid tumours. When injected directly into a tumour mass, the compound rapidly disrupts the integrity of the tumour's blood vessels within hours, cutting off its nutrient supply and causing localized haemorrhagic collapse.
Unlike traditional systemic chemotherapy, tigilanol tiglate simultaneously recruits the body's innate immune system, prompting neutrophils and macrophages to clear the dying tumour cells. The surrounding healthy tissue then regenerates naturally, often healing with minimal fibrosis or scar tissue.
Approved by regulatory authorities as Stelfonta for treating canine mast cell tumours, the plant-derived therapy has saved countless family pets from limb amputations and invasive surgeries. Building on its veterinary success, oncology teams are now advancing the compound through human clinical trials for head and neck cancers, soft-tissue sarcomas, and melanoma.
Learn more about Fontainea picrosperma & oncology research
Field note and photo: Timothy R Sexton. Source: Tigilanol tiglate mode of action and clinical trials (QBiotics / Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine).
A contributor field note. Corrections: [email protected].
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