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Published on: April 28, 2023
Ascorbate induces autophagy in pancreatic cancer
1Department of Surgery, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA. joseph-cullen@uiowa.edu
Autophagy
|April 20, 2010
Summary
High-dose vitamin C (ascorbic acid) for cancer shows promise via intravenous delivery. Oral vitamin C does not achieve the necessary plasma concentrations for potential anti-cancer effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacokinetics
Background:
- Ascorbate (vitamin C) is an early, unconventional cancer treatment.
- Evidence for its use stems from clinical dose-response data and in vitro cell toxicity studies.
- Understanding ascorbate bioavailability is crucial for evaluating its therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the pharmacokinetic differences between oral and intravenous ascorbate administration.
- To determine if high plasma concentrations of ascorbate, relevant for potential anti-cancer effects, can be achieved in humans.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical data on ascorbate dose-concentration relationships.
- Analysis of laboratory data on ascorbate's in vitro effects.
- Comparison of ascorbate bioavailability following oral versus intravenous administration.
Main Results:
- Oral ascorbate administration results in tightly controlled plasma concentrations due to physiological limitations (absorption, excretion, bioavailability).
- Intravenous administration of ascorbate allows for the achievement of millimolar plasma concentrations.
- Significant differences in achievable plasma ascorbate levels exist between oral and intravenous routes.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous administration of ascorbate can achieve significantly higher plasma concentrations compared to oral administration.
- The route of administration is a critical factor in determining the potential efficacy of ascorbate as a cancer treatment.
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