Oncology

Vitamin C Has Potential to Slow Cancer

An injection of a high dose of vitamin C may be able to impede the growth of cancer, according to US scientists. The journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found vitamin C to halve the size of brain, ovarian, and pancreatic tumors in mice. However, Cancer Research UK says that large vitamin C doses may interfere with other cancer treatment.

Scientists conducted research by breeding mice with malfunctioning immune systems and injecting them with human cancer cells. The cells quickly grew into large tumors and scientists then injected vitamin C into the abdomen of mice. With treated mice, tumor growth and weight fell between 41 and 53% and did not spread quickly, but in untreated mice, the disease rapidly spread to other body parts.After successfully treating mice, scientists are now suggesting that the same treatment could be considered for humans at similar levels.

Dr. Alison Ross from Cancer Research UK warns that much more work needs to be done to see if Vitamin C is a viable treatment for cancer. She states, "This is encouraging work but it's at a very early stage because it involves cells grown in the lab and mice. There is currently no evidence from clinical trials in humans that injecting or consuming vitamin C is an effective way to treat cancer.

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