Vitamin C (IV/high dose)
IV ascorbate: H₂O₂/DNA ↑, TET ↑, sensitizer; early signals in pancreatic/ovarian/colorectal/lung.
Forms: IV infusion (15-75 g in saline, 1-3x/week) · Oral high-dose (3-10 g/day, non-pharmacologic)
Key Takeaway
Pharmacologic ascorbate (≥15–50 g IV) reaches millimolar plasma levels that generate extracellular H₂O₂, creating tumor-biased oxidative stress and DNA damage, while also acting as a TET cofactor to favor demethylation. Early human trials show feasibility, symptom relief, and signals of synergy with chemotherapy/radiation in select cancers.
Evidence at a glance
Phase I/II pancreatic (Welsh) PFS signals; ovarian case series; meta-QoL modest; PD H₂O₂/γH2AX robust; ongoing NCT03146962 (combo); G6PD mandatory.
How it may work
Tumor-selective H₂O₂ formation exploits relatively low catalase/peroxidase buffering in cancer cells → oxidative DNA lesions, ATP depletion, and apoptosis/necrosis. Ascorbate supports α-KG–dependent dioxygenases (e.g., TETs), promoting demethylation and differentiation programs. Additional data suggest immune modulation and anti-angiogenic effects, plus chemo-/radiosensitization via redox cycling.
Targets & pathways
Curated mechanistic targets reported for this agent — how it may act on cells, not proof of a clinical effect.
- H₂O₂↑Tumor-selective generation
- DNA Damage↑Oxidative lesions and DSBs
- TET Demethylation↑Cofactor for epigenetic enzymes
- Chemo/RT Sensitizer↑Redox cycling enhancement
- Apoptosis↑Caspase activation
Often studied / combined with
Combinations reported in the literature, not a protocol or a recommendation.
- Gemcitabine: PFS improvement in pancreatic phase II.
- Cisplatin: ROS amplification in ovarian models.
- Curcumin: H₂O₂ synergy in colorectal cancer.
- Resveratrol: Demethylation co-activation in breast cancer.
Overlapping mechanisms
- H₂O₂ ↑: Overlaps ozone/hyperbaric O₂; oxidative ceiling.
- Chemo Sensitizer: Redundant with artemisinin; monitor hematologic.
Safety & interactions
Severity and how well-established each signal is are shown separately. Verify everything with your oncologist or pharmacist — absence here does not mean safe.
- redox_chemoMonitorModerateTheoreticalSequence to avoid antagonism (e.g., bortezomib).
- radiationSynergizeLowTheoreticalEnhanced ROS without added toxicity.
- GemcitabineSynergizeLowTheoreticalImproved PFS in pancreatic trials.
Timing
- Post-chemo/RT: 24-48h after to amplify ROS.
- 1-3x/week: Cyclic for tolerance.
References
- PMC8557029: IV vitamin C in pancreatic cancer
- PMC9231292: H₂O₂ mechanisms in tumor selectivity
- S2352304225002314: TET demethylation support
- 39/2/751: Chemo-sensitization in ovarian models
- DOI 10.3390/nu12061619: Synergy with gemcitabine in pancreatic
- PMC10221542: Combination with curcumin in colorectal cancer
Research
No published studies for Vitamin C (IV/high dose) yet
New studies appear here once they’ve been reviewed. Browse all studies.
Dose: as studied, not a recommendation
Ranges seen in adjunct / practice use: 15–75 g IV 1-3x/week (IV) Over 1-2h infusion; G6PD screen first, Trials 50-75 g 2-3x/week; adjust for body weight; oral 3-10 g/day supplemental..
Trials studying Vitamin C (IV/high dose)
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Appears in these protocol claims
Vitamin C (IV/high dose) is named in these protocols discussed online. Listed for transparency: being part of a protocol is not evidence that it works, and OncoForge does not endorse them.
- Ivermectin / Benzimidazole Protocol Claims : Aggressive online protocols combining ivermectin with fenbendazole or mebendazole.