High-dose intravenous vitamin C
Mixed results: a large trial missed its goal, a small one looked positive.
What studies found
In the 442-patient VITALITY trial in metastatic colorectal cancer, adding IV vitamin C to chemotherapy did not lengthen progression-free survival overall (8.6 vs 8.3 months), though a subgroup with RAS mutations did better. In a 36-patient randomized trial in metastatic pancreatic cancer, median survival was 16 vs 8.3 months.
The catch
The positive signals come from a subgroup and a very small trial, and both need confirming. Riskier for people with kidney disease or iron overload.
What to do
Only within a clinical trial or with your oncologist's agreement. Vitamin C pills are not the same thing.
Sources
Rung 2 of 5, Limited: Few, small or conflicting human studies, or only indirect measures such as blood markers. How we score
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the colorectal cancer page.
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