High Dose Vitamin C As Adjunct Therapy In Cancer Treatment
Cancer is a complex disease that affects millions of people around the world. Despite significant advances in cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy and radiation, there is still a significant need for effective and safe alternative therapies. One such therapy that has gained attention in recent years is high dose vitamin C therapy for cancer.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the body's tissues and organs. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can contribute to the development of cancer. Vitamin C also plays a role in immune function and helps the body produce collagen, a protein that is essential for healthy skin, bones, and other tissues.
High dose vitamin C therapy for cancer involves administering large amounts of vitamin C intravenously. While the exact mechanism of how high dose vitamin C may help treat cancer is not fully understood, there are several theories. One theory is that high dose vitamin C may help reduce inflammation, which is a key factor in the development of many types of cancer. Another theory is that high dose vitamin C may help increase the production of hydrogen peroxide, a compound that can damage cancer cells.
Several studies have been conducted on the use of high dose vitamin C therapy for cancer, and while the results are not definitive, they are promising. A study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine in 2014 found that high dose vitamin C therapy improved the quality of life in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Another study published in the journal Antioxidants & Redox Signaling in 2018 found that high dose vitamin C therapy in combination with chemotherapy improved the survival rate in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
One of the advantages of high dose vitamin C therapy for cancer is that it is generally well-tolerated and has few side effects. However, as with any therapy, there are some risks associated with high dose vitamin C. In rare cases, high doses of vitamin C can cause kidney damage, and patients with kidney disease should not undergo this therapy. High dose vitamin C can also interfere with certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, and should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.
In conclusion, high dose vitamin C therapy for cancer is a promising alternative therapy that has shown potential in improving the quality of life and survival rates of cancer patients. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of this therapy and its effectiveness, it is a relatively safe and well-tolerated option for patients who are looking for alternative treatments. If you or a loved one is considering high dose vitamin C therapy for cancer, be sure to discuss this option with your healthcare provider to determine if it is right for you.
Author:
Barbara Agbo APRN, FNP-BC
03/25/23
References:
Du J, Cieslak JA, Welsh JL, et al. Pharmacological Ascorbate Radiosensitizes Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Res. 2015;75(16):3314-3326. doi:10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-15-0020
Ma Y, Chapman J, Levine M, et al. High-dose parenteral ascorbate enhanced chemosensitivity of ovarian cancer and reduced toxicity of chemotherapy. Sci Transl Med. 2014;6(222):222ra18. doi:10.1126/scitranslmed.3007154
Parrow NL, Leshin JA, Levine M. Parenteral ascorbate as a cancer therapeutic: a reassessment based on pharmacokinetics. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2013;19(17):2141-2156. doi: 10.1089/ars.2013.5372.