Does Baking Soda Function as a Magic Bullet for Patients With Cancer? A Mini Review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Sodium bicarbonate is a clinically used antacid.
• Tumor microenvironments often exhibit lactic acidosis.
• Acidosis can promote tumor growth and metastasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the use of sodium bicarbonate in cancer treatment.
• To explore its efficacy alone and in combination with other therapies.
• To discuss safe and effective clinical application methods.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies using sodium bicarbonate for cancer.
• Analysis of clinical trials combining sodium bicarbonate with chemotherapy (e.g., transarterial chemoembolization).
• Examination of the role of tumor acidosis in treatment response.

Main Results:

• Sodium bicarbonate, when added to transarterial chemoembolization, achieved a high local tumor control rate.
• Evidence suggests sodium bicarbonate can modulate the tumor microenvironment.
• Its use alone or in combination warrants further investigation for antitumor effects.

Conclusions:

• Sodium bicarbonate demonstrates potential as an anticancer agent, particularly by targeting tumor acidosis.
• Combination therapies involving sodium bicarbonate may enhance treatment outcomes.
• Further research is needed to optimize its safe and effective clinical use in oncology.