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Intravenous ascorbate as a tumor cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent
N H Riordan1, H D Riordan, X Meng
1Project RECNAC, Bio-Communications Research Institute, Wichita, Kansas 67219, USA.
Medical Hypotheses
|March 1, 1995
Summary
High-dose ascorbic acid (AA) shows preferential toxicity to tumor cells. This study demonstrates the feasibility of achieving tumor-cytotoxic plasma concentrations of AA in humans, suggesting its potential as a cancer chemotherapeutic agent.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ascorbic acid (AA) exhibits selective toxicity towards tumor cells in laboratory and clinical settings.
- Previous cancer research with AA has often failed to achieve the necessary plasma concentrations for effective tumor cell cytotoxicity.
- Achieving sustained, high plasma levels of AA is crucial for its potential as a chemotherapeutic agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of maintaining plasma concentrations of ascorbic acid (AA) above tumor-cytotoxic levels in humans.
- To explore the potential of high-dose AA as a selective tumor-cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent.
Main Methods:
- Administration of ascorbic acid (AA) at high doses to human subjects.
- Monitoring of plasma concentrations of AA to assess sustained levels.
- In vitro and in vivo assessment of AA's selective toxicity to tumor cells.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the ability to sustain human plasma levels of ascorbic acid (AA) above concentrations known to be toxic to tumor cells in vitro.
- Provided evidence supporting the selective killing of tumor cells by high-dose AA.
Conclusions:
- High-dose ascorbic acid (AA) can achieve and maintain plasma concentrations that are selectively toxic to tumor cells.
- The findings suggest the feasibility and potential of using AA as a cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent for cancer treatment.