Intravenous vitamin C in the supportive care of cancer patients: a review and rational approach

Curr Oncol. 2018 Apr;25(2):139-148. doi: 10.3747/co.25.3790. Epub 2018 Apr 30.

Abstract

This article reviews intravenous vitamin C (IV C) in cancer care and offers a rational approach to enable medical oncologists and integrative practitioners to safely provide IV C combined with oral vitamin C to patients. The use of IV C is a safe supportive intervention to decrease inflammation in the patient and to improve symptoms related to antioxidant deficiency, disease processes, and side effects of standard cancer treatments. A proposed rationale, together with relevant clinical safety considerations for the application of IV C in oncologic supportive care, is provided.

Keywords: Vitamin C deficiency; ascorbate; intravenous vitamin C; quality of life; supportive care.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intravenous
  • Administration, Oral
  • Antioxidants / administration & dosage*
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Ascorbic Acid / administration & dosage*
  • Ascorbic Acid / blood
  • Ascorbic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / blood
  • Neoplasms / complications
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Quality of Life
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / drug therapy
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / etiology

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Ascorbic Acid