Talcum powder may be able to stop the growth of metastatic lung tumors, according to researchers at the University of Florida.

They said in a news release that it has the ability to cut off blood flow to tumors, not just soothe diaper rash.

The soft powder stimulates healthy cells to produce endostatin, a hormone called a magic bullet for treating lung cancer.

Talc slowed tumor growth and made them smaller, Dr. Veena Antony said, by preventing the formation of blood vessels.

Talc is already used in lung cancer patients to alleviate fluid around the lungs, which can cause breathing problems. When most people reach that stage, called malignant pleural effusion, most die within six months. So talc is blown into the lining of the lungs to cause scar tissue and give no room for the fluid to build up.

Patients who have that procedure live up to 18 months longer, leading the researchers to see if the talc was having another effect.

Within a day of having the talc inserted, patients have 10 times the level of endostatin, researchers said.

Other attempts to use endostatin have not worked because the hormone breaks down quickly in the body when injected.

"It surprised us that such a cheap, easily available product, such an old-fashioned product, can have benefits to the patient and perhaps prolong the patient's life," Antony said.