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A recent phase 2 clinical trial has shown that adding high-dose intravenous (IV) vitamin C to standard chemotherapy significantly extends survival in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Iowa, found that patients receiving this combination therapy lived an average of 16 months, compared to eight months for those receiving chemotherapy alone.
Dr. Joe Cullen, a professor at the University of Iowa specializing in surgery and radiation oncology, described the findings as a breakthrough. "This is a devastating disease with poor outcomes. The median survival is typically eight months with treatment, and much less without it," Dr. Cullen explained. "We initially hoped to extend survival to 12 months, but reaching 16 months was an extraordinary result, leading us to conclude the trial early."
The research, published in Redox Biology, highlights a potential new approach for managing late-stage pancreatic cancer. The use of high-dose IV vitamin C has been a focus of University of Iowa researchers for nearly two decades, overcoming various challenges to demonstrate its effectiveness.
The study involved 34 patients with stage 4 metastatic pancreatic cancer, who were randomly assigned to receive either standard chemotherapy (gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel) or the same chemotherapy combined with high-dose IV vitamin C. In addition to doubling overall survival, the combination therapy improved progression-free survival from four to six months.
"Beyond extending survival, patients reported fewer side effects and better tolerance to treatment," Dr. Cullen noted. "This mirrors findings from other studies, where vitamin C appears to enhance quality of life for patients."
This isn't the first time high-dose IV vitamin C has shown promise. Earlier this year, another University of Iowa study demonstrated similar benefits for glioblastoma, a form of aggressive brain cancer. A third trial is ongoing for non-small cell lung cancer, with results expected soon. All three trials were supported by a 2018 grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Dr. Cullen emphasized the significance of these findings. "Adding high-dose IV vitamin C, which is both affordable and well-tolerated, could transform treatment for some of the deadliest cancers in the U.S.," he said.
The success of these trials follows years of work by University of Iowa researchers to understand the anti-cancer effects of high-dose IV vitamin C. Unlike oral vitamin C, which is limited in its absorption, IV administration achieves much higher blood concentrations. At these levels, vitamin C triggers chemical reactions within cancer cells that make them more susceptible to chemotherapy and radiation.
Dr. Cullen acknowledged that initial skepticism around vitamin C as a cancer therapy was a challenge. However, the consistent and encouraging results—from laboratory studies to clinical trials—have validated the approach. "Every step of the way, the data has been promising. In one early trial for pancreatic cancer combining vitamin C with radiation, we still have three patients alive nine years later—far exceeding typical survival rates," he said.
The research team included experts from multiple University of Iowa departments and the Medical College of Wisconsin. These findings represent a major step forward in the fight against pancreatic cancer and reinforce the potential of innovative, integrative approaches to cancer treatment.
