Orthomolecular oncology review: ascorbic acid and cancer 25 years later

Integr Cancer Ther. 2005 Mar;4(1):32-44. doi: 10.1177/1534735404273861.

Abstract

The effect of ascorbic acid on cancer has been a subject of great controversy. This is a follow-up review of the 1979 article by Cameron, Pauling, and Leibovitz published in Cancer Research. In this updated version, the authors address general aspects of ascorbic acid and cancer that have been presented before, while reviewing, analyzing, and updating new existing literature on the subject. In addition, they present and discuss their own mechanistic hypothesis on the effect of ascorbic acid on the cancer cell. The objective of this review is to provide an updated scientific basis for the use of ascorbic acid, especially intravenously as adjuvant treatment in pharmacological nutritional oncology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Ascorbic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Ascorbic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Ascorbic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Pain / drug therapy
  • Pain / etiology
  • Palliative Care

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Ascorbic Acid