Vitamin C Infusion During Cancer Treatment: Benefits, Risks, and Challenges

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a vital nutrient found in citrus fruits, leafy greens, and dietary supplements. It is essential for the creation of collagen and functions as an antioxidant, shielding cells from harm caused by free radicals. Although its advantages for overall health are widely recognized, its potential to treat cancer is still up for discussion.

Can High-Dose Vitamin C Infusion Help During Cancer Treatment?

Research on vitamin C’s impact on cancer progression is mixed. Some studies suggest that high plasma levels of vitamin C may lower gastrointestinal cancer risk by neutralizing carcinogenic compounds. However, its role as a complementary therapy during chemotherapy is controversial. According to preclinical research, vitamin C may be absorbed by cancer cells, which could lessen the effectiveness of some chemotherapy medications. Additionally, antioxidants like vitamin C may potentially interfere with treatment because radiation and chemotherapy both use oxidative stress to destroy cancer cells. However, certain clinical studies indicate that taking vitamin C with medications like carboplatin and paclitaxel does not lessen the effectiveness of chemotherapy. In fact, leukemia patients who don’t have enough vitamin C in their diet, have been found to experience more adverse effects.

Potential Benefits and Risks

Some studies show that Vitamin C infusions may help to mitigate the side effects of certain cancer treatments. For example, a combination of vitamins C, E, and selenium has been demonstrated to reduce oxidative stress in thyroid cancer patients who are undergoing radioiodine therapy. A combination of vitamins C, E, and selenium has been shown to minimize dry mouth (xerostomia) in patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiation therapy. Vitamin C may also improve the efficacy of several epigenetic treatments for myeloid cancer. High dosages, however, can result in hemolytic anemia in patients with G6PD deficiency, raise the risk of kidney stones (especially in those with a history of oxalate stones), and cause gastrointestinal discomfort. These possible risks should not be disregarded. When thinking about using vitamin C supplements, people with hemochromatosis or kidney illness should likewise proceed with caution. To balance the advantages and disadvantages of any adjunct therapy, speaking with a healthcare professional is crucial.

Challenges in Vitamin C Research

• Lack of financial incentive: The pharmaceutical industry is less interested in vitamin C because it cannot be patented.
• Historical skepticism: Although more recent study points to possible advantages, earlier studies from the 1980s raised questions.
• Uncertain mechanisms: Although high-dose vitamin C has demonstrated anticancer effects in laboratory experiments, it is still unknown how exactly it works in humans, which makes planned treatment more difficult.

While vitamin C infusion shows potential in improving cancer treatment outcomes and reducing side effects, evidence is not yet definitive. Patients should not self-administer high doses without medical supervision. If considering vitamin C therapy, discuss the risks and benefits with your oncologist to make an informed decision.