A study found that the survival rate of pancreatic cancer patients doubled when they received a high dose of a common vitamin.

High doses of vitamin C could be a new breakthrough in treating cancer.

The Carver College of Medicine at the University of Iowa Health Care has released findings from a randomized, phase 2 trial examining the effectiveness of incorporating high-dose vitamin C into intravenous chemotherapy treatments for pancreatic cancer patients.

Patients with late-stage metastatic pancreatic cancer who received 75 grams of vitamin C three times a week had their overall survival rates doubled from eight months to 16 months, according to research findings.

The journal Redox Biology published a study that found progression-free survival was extended from four to six months.

The "groundbreaking" findings are the result of 20 years of research on vitamin C, according to Joseph Cullen, MD, a professor of surgery and radiation oncology at the University of Iowa.

In a lab test, Iowa researchers discovered that using high doses of vitamin C was highly effective in killing cancer cells.

"Vitamin C, which is inexpensive and well-tolerated, may improve the efficacy of chemotherapy with a good quality of life."

"According to Cullen, at high doses, ascorbate generates hydrogen peroxide, which is what kills cancer cells."

The patients who received vitamin C in the phase 2, FDA-approved trial appeared to better tolerate the chemotherapy they were given, according to the researcher.

He stated that they received more chemotherapy for extended periods and higher doses, which would ultimately destroy the tumor cells.

Cullen stated that intravenous vitamin C may aid in fighting other types of cancer, including lung and brain cancer, according to his colleagues' research.

Stony Brook Medicine's surgical oncologist, Dr. Georgios Georgakis, stated that these findings could represent a "potential breakthrough" for cancer patients.

Georgakis, who was not involved in the study, stated in a separate conversation with Planet Chronicle Digital that it appears to be working synergistically with chemotherapy.

Dr. Joshua Strauss, a hematologist and medical oncologist at Advanced Care Oncology and Hematology Associates of the Atlantic Medical Group in Morristown, New Jersey, also supported this method.

A recent clinical trial has shown that vitamin C, which is affordable and well-tolerated, may enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and improve the quality of life, according to an oncologist who was not involved in the study.

The benefits of vitamin C

According to Strauss, vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a "vital nutrient" that can be obtained from a variety of foods including citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, strawberries, cabbage, and spinach.

Vitamin C, according to Georgakis, promotes tissue growth and repair, enhances collagen production, aids in wound healing, bolsters bone and skin health, and strengthens the immune system.

An antioxidant, vitamin C, is effective in lower doses. The FDA advises consuming 75mg to 90mg daily.

Cullen stated that once the body has absorbed enough vitamin C, any remaining excess is eliminated through the kidneys.

When the dosage is increased to 75 grams, it functions as a pro-oxidant.

He stated that these reactive oxygen species, which are responsible for killing cancer cells, are produced in response to certain conditions.

According to Cullen, a "multi-million-dollar" phase 3 trial would require the support of a pharmaceutical company to continue research.

He recommends that cancer patients considering IV vitamin C should consult with their oncologist and seek out qualified professionals to administer it.

The National Cancer Institute and researchers were commended by Strauss, who expressed "cautious optimism" after reading the results.

"While pancreatic cancer can be challenging to treat, I remain hopeful when I see positive results from phase 2 studies. However, these studies have limitations, and their results should be interpreted with caution."

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The limitations of the study, such as the small sample size of 34 patients and lack of diversity, were acknowledged by Strauss and the study authors.

Before widespread clinical use, larger randomized phase 3 trials are required to verify the results, according to Strauss's statement to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Although Georgakis acknowledged that the trial resulted in a "very good outcome," he emphasized that it is not a "golden bullet for treating cancer."

He stated, "Incremental, good outcomes in our fight against cancer are precisely what we need,".