FLORIDA --
One of the most poisonous animals on planet earth is helping cancer survivors deal with the side effects of chemotherapy.
Med-Sol Research Clinic in Florida is testing a new drug which uses toxins from the pufferfish to eliminate pain.
Joyce Klingle, a participant in the clinical trial, says she is on her feet a lot.
"When you're at work, you just keep going. When your feet hurt, that's too bad you just keep going," she says.
She beat breast cancer six years ago; but chemotherapy left her with neuropathy in her feet and fingertips.
She described the painful disease.
"It's burning pins and needles pricking the bottom of your feet all the time. Your fingertips get numb and you can't pick up anything; you can't hold anything," Klingle explains.
She tried different pain medication, but nothing worked. It still hurt to move packages and stand all day long. She says she would be almost in tears by the time she went home.
Then, the folks at Med-Sol Research Clinic called and explained they are testing a new drug using toxins from the puffer fish to treat the pain.
The trial requires patients like Klingle to get 8 shots in four days.
The clinic monitors the results while working to get the drug FDA approved.
"Best thing I ever did,” says Klingle. "By the 3rd day I could actually straighten my hands out."
Sheila Catton was the first person in the United States to participate in the study.
It used to be painful for her to straighten out her fingers, now she's pain free and recommends others follow suit.
"I can't imagine anyone having neuropathy who wouldn't be willing to try it,” says Catton.
There are only 15 patients enrolled across the country, and the drug is still years away from being approved.
(Information courtesy NBC News)
