[Vitamin C in complementary oncology--update 2009]

Med Monatsschr Pharm. 2009 Jul;32(7):263-7.
[Article in German]

Abstract

The antioxidant perhaps most widely used in complementary oncology is vitamin C, particularly by intravenous injection. In light of the recent clinical pharmacokinetic findings, the in vitro evidence of anti-tumour mechanisms and some well-documented cases of advanced cancers the role of high-dose intravenous vitamin C therapy in cancer treatment should be reassessed. High dose intravenous vitamin C therapy may have benefits in patients with advanced cancers, and cancers with poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options, but further clinical studies regarding the safety and efficacy of this therapy are necessary, especially in Germany.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / administration & dosage
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use*
  • Ascorbic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Ascorbic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Ascorbic Acid