Cancer patient survival doubled by adding this common vitamin to chemo: study
High doses of vitamin C have shown promising results in treating cancer, particularly in patients with late-stage metastatic pancreatic cancer. The University of Iowa Health Care Carver College of Medicine conducted a randomized, phase 2 trial that tested the impact of adding high-dose vitamin C to intravenous chemotherapy treatments for pancreatic cancer patients. The results were groundbreaking, as administering 75 grams of vitamin C three times a week doubled overall survival rates from eight months to 16 months.
Lead researcher Joseph Cullen, MD, explained that after 20 years of research on vitamin C, they found that using vitamin C in much higher doses effectively killed cancer cells. The high doses of vitamin C generated hydrogen peroxide, which is what ultimately led to the death of cancer cells. This approach not only improved overall survival rates but also extended progression-free survival from four to six months. Patients who received vitamin C in the trial were able to tolerate chemotherapy better, allowing them to receive larger doses for longer periods of time.
Dr. Georgios Georgakis, a surgical oncologist at Stony Brook Medicine, expressed his support for this new treatment approach, stating that it could potentially be a breakthrough for cancer patients. Dr. Joshua Strauss, an attending hematologist and medical oncologist, also praised the study for providing exciting and consistent signals that vitamin C could improve the efficacy of chemotherapy.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential dietary nutrient found in various foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and broccoli. In lower doses, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and supports tissue growth, collagen production, wound healing, and immune health. However, in much higher doses, such as 75 grams, vitamin C acts as a pro-oxidant, producing reactive oxygen species that kill cancer cells effectively.
While the results of this phase 2 trial are promising, researchers acknowledge the limitations, such as the small sample size and lack of diversity among participants. Larger randomized phase 3 trials are needed to confirm these results before the treatment approach can be adopted into widespread clinical use. Cancer patients interested in exploring IV vitamin C should consult with their oncologist and seek out professionals who can administer it.
Overall, the findings from this study represent a step in the right direction in the fight against cancer. While high doses of vitamin C may not be a cure-all for cancer, they offer a potential new treatment option that could improve outcomes for patients. Incremental progress like this is crucial in advancing cancer treatment and providing hope for patients and their families.
