Cancer and IV Vitamin C

After nearly 40 years, where does science stand on intravenous vitamin C therapy and cancer?  Linus Pauling was very interested in the value of vitamin C in treating cancer.  Clinical research with his colleague Ewan Cameron in the 70s demonstrated that large doses of oral and intravenous (IV) vitamin C were helpful in increasing the survival time and improving the quality of life of terminal cancer patients.  When follow-up studies by the Mayo Clinic using only oral vitamin C did not show any benefit, many cancer researchers doubted the value of IV vitamin C therapy, and the research slipped out of the mainstream.

About 15 years ago, studies at the National Institute of Health with Dr. Mark Levine revitalized cancer research with IV vitamin C.  His group confirmed that high concentrations of vitamin C do kill cancer cells in culture.  Studies in animals  show that vitamin C infusions can slow tumor growth.  A number of studies are now underway to characterize the molecular anticancer mechanisms of vitamin C and optimal protocols for administration.

However, there is plenty of work to be done before vitamin C will be accepted as a mainstream therapy for cancer.  Yet, as clinical researchers try to understand why and how much vitamin C can help fight against cancer, thousands of people worldwide are using it as a primary treatment or adjunctive therapy.

Results from controlled clinical trials indicate that IV vitamin C is generally safe and well tolerated in most prescreened cancer patients.  In fact, there are very few contraindications for vitamin C in intravenous form.  However, there is still the potential for side effects: those with existing kidney disease or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiencies should take particular caution.

The therapeutic effect of vitamin C in cancer patients has mainly been demonstrated through IV administration or direct infusion, not taking supplements.  Concentrations of vitamin C in the blood are the key:  formulations of oral vitamin C – even those that claim to boost bioavailability – do not increase blood vitamin C levels to a point that would produce the same anticancer effect.  IV administration allows concentrations of vitamin C in the blood to reach at least 100 times higher than taking oral supplements.

Studies have also found that intravenous vitamin C treatments can alleviate fatigue or decrease other side effects of some chemotherapeutic drugs, thereby improving the quality of life of cancer patients. Some drugs have been shown to work better in combination with vitamin C.  On the other hand, vitamin C may interact with other drugs to limit how well they work or even exacerbate side effects.  Thus, it is extremely important to talk to a physician before combining IV vitamin C with any drug.

Of course, any administration of an injection or infusion of vitamin C should only be performed under the direct supervision of a qualified health professional such as the professionals at Healing Arts Center.  Call for a consult on this therapy today!