Does ascorbic acid cause cancer
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The Relationship Between Ascorbic Acid and Cancer
Ascorbic Acid and Cancer Prevention
Antioxidant Properties and Cancer Prevention
Ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, has been extensively studied for its potential role in cancer prevention. Its antioxidant properties are believed to neutralize free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress, which is a known factor in cancer development. The National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases have highlighted the importance of ascorbic acid in preventing cancer through its antioxidant, enzymatic, and immune functions1.
Host Resistance and Ascorbic Acid
Host resistance to cancer is significantly influenced by the availability of ascorbic acid. Factors involved in host resistance, such as immune response and cellular repair mechanisms, are dependent on adequate levels of ascorbate. This relationship underscores the potential of ascorbic acid in reducing the risk of cancer development8.
Ascorbic Acid in Cancer Treatment
Intravenous Ascorbic Acid and Tumor Regression
Intravenous administration of ascorbic acid has shown promise in cancer treatment, particularly in colorectal cancer. High doses of ascorbic acid can disrupt cancer cell metabolism, specifically the Warburg effect, leading to tumor regression and improved tolerability of standard therapies2. This therapeutic approach is supported by evidence that pharmacologic concentrations of ascorbic acid selectively kill cancer cells by generating hydrogen peroxide, which induces oxidative stress and cell death3 4.
Mechanisms of Action
The anticancer effects of ascorbic acid are attributed to several mechanisms:
- Hydrogen Peroxide Production: High doses of ascorbic acid act as a pro-drug, delivering hydrogen peroxide to tissues, which selectively kills cancer cells without harming normal cells3.
- Epigenetic Regulation: Ascorbic acid influences DNA demethylation through the activation of ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes, which can suppress tumor growth5.
- Immune System Enhancement: Ascorbic acid increases the immunogenicity of cancer cells and enhances the infiltration of cytotoxic T cells and macrophages into tumors, thereby boosting the body's immune response against cancer10.
Clinical Applications and Future Research
Despite the promising preclinical and clinical evidence, the clinical efficacy of ascorbic acid in cancer treatment remains to be fully established. Further large-scale clinical trials are necessary to confirm its benefits and optimize its use in oncology2 4 6.
Conclusion
Current research suggests that ascorbic acid does not cause cancer; rather, it may play a significant role in both the prevention and treatment of cancer. Its antioxidant properties, ability to enhance host resistance, and various mechanisms of action against cancer cells highlight its potential as a valuable component in cancer therapy. However, more extensive clinical trials are needed to fully understand and validate its therapeutic benefits.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Ascorbic acid: biologic functions and relation to cancer.
Ascorbic acid has antioxidant, enzymatic, immune, and cancer-related functions, potentially aiding in cancer prevention and treatment.
Highly CitedAscorbic Acid in Colon Cancer: From the Basic to the Clinical Applications
Intravenous ascorbic acid administration shows potential benefits in colon cancer by disrupting the Warburg effect and improving tumor regression and side effects of standard therapy.
Systematic ReviewPharmacologic ascorbic acid concentrations selectively kill cancer cells: action as a pro-drug to deliver hydrogen peroxide to tissues.
I.V. ascorbic acid at pharmacologic concentrations selectively kills cancer cells, acting as a pro-drug for hydrogen peroxide formation and potentially benefiting cancer treatment and infection treatment.
In Vitro StudyHighly CitedDiverse antitumor effects of ascorbic acid on cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment
Ascorbic acid has diverse antitumor effects, with oral administration providing antioxidant effects and intravenous treatment promoting oxidative-promoting effects, but its clinical efficacy and mechanisms remain unclear.
Literature ReviewAscorbic Acid in Cancer Treatment: Let the Phoenix Fly.
Ascorbic acid shows promising anti-cancer activity through hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress and DNA demethylation, with promising preclinical and clinical evidence.
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedUnderstanding the Therapeutic Potential of Ascorbic Acid in the Battle to Overcome Cancer
Ascorbic acid shows potential as an anticancer agent by inhibiting cancer development through various mechanisms, and its derivatives show potential as effective delivery systems for cancer treatment.
Orthomolecular Oncology Review: Ascorbic Acid and Cancer 25 Years Later
Ascorbic acid, especially intravenously, shows potential as an adjuvant treatment for cancer, with a mechanistic hypothesis supporting its effectiveness in pharmacological nutritional oncology.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedAscorbic acid and cancer: a review.
Ascorbic acid metabolism plays a significant role in host resistance to neoplastic growth and invasiveness, influencing cancer progression and outcomes.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedAscorbic acid and colon cancer: an oxidative stimulus to cell death depending on cell profile.
Ascorbic acid shows anti-tumoral effects on colon cancer cells, with potential applications in treating colorectal cancer through oxidative stress-independent mechanisms.
In Vitro StudyHigh-dose ascorbic acid synergizes with anti-PD1 in a lymphoma mouse model
High-dose ascorbic acid combined with anti-PD1 therapy effectively inhibits tumor growth in a lymphoma mouse model, suggesting potential for improved cancer treatment.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyHighly Cited