Many studies indicate that cancer patients often do not receive sufficient vitamin C. This deficiency can result from inadequate food intake, inflammation, infections, and treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. Research suggests intravenous vitamin C (IVC) may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms. This could enhance the quality of life for patients undergoing cancer treatment.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage caused by harmful molecules. It can also target tumor cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. However, caution is necessary when combining IVC with chemotherapy, as high levels of vitamin C could interfere with treatment. It is essential for patients to communicate with their oncologists about any current treatments and understand that the effects of combining IVC and chemotherapy are not fully understood. While vitamin C may help with symptoms, it might also reduce the effectiveness of cancer treatments.
Vitamin C is a micronutrient known for its various benefits and protective effects. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and its ability to protect against DNA damage are well established.
Recent studies have shown that vitamin C can help combat tumors in two primary ways: by influencing gene activity and by affecting chemical reactions in the body. As a strong antioxidant, vitamin C protects cells from damage caused by reactive oxygen species. Interestingly, vitamin C can also act as a pro-oxidant, potentially killing tumor cells while sparing normal cells, since tumor cells are often already under stress from oxidative damage.
While it is important to minimize any potential interactions between chemotherapy and high levels of circulating vitamin C, there is limited data regarding the outcomes of combining IVC with conventional therapies. Nevertheless, in a non-curative clinical setting, we suggest that patients who may have an increased need for vitamin C or those with presumed deficiencies could benefit from high-dose vitamin C infusions. This could help restore balance in the body through anti-inflammatory support, potentially leading to symptom reduction and an improved quality of life.
Böttger, F., Vallés-Martí, A., Cahn, L., & Jimenez, C. R. (2021). High-dose intravenous vitamin C, a promising multi-targeting agent in the treatment of cancer. Journal of experimental & clinical cancer research, 40, 1-44.
Zhao, X., Liu, M., Li, C., Liu, X., Zhao, J., Ma, H., … & Qu, J. (2024). High dose Vitamin C inhibits PD-L1 by ROS-pSTAT3 signal pathway and enhances T cell function in TNBC. International Immunopharmacology, 126, 111321.
