Perspective
Clinical Trial of Intravenous Vitamin C for Cancer Treatment Underway
Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) is now moving forward with unique research on the use of novel agents in the battle against cancer. Taking the daring work of Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling to the next level, researchers at CTCA at Midwestern Regional Medical Center in Zion, Illinois are eyeing the impact of high doses of intravenous, or in the vein, Vitamin C on cancer.
The study is being led by Dr. Christopher M. Stephenson, an internal medicine specialist at Midwestern Regional Medical Center; Dr. Robert D. Levin, Chief of Medical Oncology at Midwestern Regional Medical Center; and, Mr. Christopher G. Lis, MPH, Vice President, Research and Development, CTCA.
"This is the first investigational new drug application (IND) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the history of CTCA," said Lis. "The first few patients have successfully completed the trial, thanks in large part to our clinical staff, particularly our laboratory, pharmacy, and nursing teams."
The researchers are recruiting a total of 18 patients for the study. The goal of the research is to discover the optimal therapeutic dose of intravenous Vitamin C in cancer care. "To our knowledge, this is the first Phase I study of Vitamin C administered intravenously for cancer patients in the U.S.," said Lis. "This is an empowering program for all of our patients and for others with cancer."
Researchers are looking for female, and male, patients who have been told by their doctors that:
- They have an advanced stage, solid tumor
- They have no other treatment options which provide a clinical benefit
- They have a life expectancy of at least three months
- They have no other, scheduled cancer therapy.
Patients must also be non-smokers, of at least 18 years of age, to be eligible for the non-commercial, research trial. Some scientific studies have shown that high doses of Vitamin C have had significant anti-cancer effects in some animal models. Other, early clinical research has demonstrated that intravenous doses of Vitamin C may improve symptoms and prolong survival in terminal cancer patients.
The patients who are chosen for the trial by the doctors will receive intravenous Vitamin C in high doses four days a week for four weeks. The study is being conducted at Midwestern Regional Medical Center.
Dr. Stephenson said that one of the goals of the research project is to prolong the survival of advanced stage cancer patients. He notes that the first group of patients will receive roughly 50 grams of intravenous IV at a rate of 1 gram per minute. The doctors plan to speak with patients on a daily basis during the study, and those who have completed treatment are eligible for continued therapy with Vitamin C. Those patients who take more than 325 mg of aspirin may not be eligible for the study, said Dr. Stephenson.
For more information, please contact Christopher G. Lis at christopher.lis@ctca-hope.com.