High dose IV Vitamin C can be used to support patients before, during, and after their chemotherapy. Cancer is a battle that countless brave souls face every year. As a doctor specializing in cancer care, I’ve been privileged to stand alongside many patients throughout their treatment journey. While the medical world has made leaps and bounds in cancer treatments, chemotherapy remains challenging for many. However, our holistic approach to patient care has introduced supplemental treatments like IV hydration and intravenous high dose IV Vitamin C to support patients before, during, and after their chemotherapy.
Understanding IV Hydration
A Refreshing Boost
Imagine running a marathon without sipping water. Sounds impossible, right? That’s precisely how our bodies can feel during chemotherapy – running a demanding course without adequate hydration. IV hydration is a quick method to replenish the body’s fluids. Unlike the regular water sips you take, IV hydration directly introduces fluids into the bloodstream, ensuring quicker absorption and more efficient hydration.
Personal Anecdote: One of my patients, Sarah, was always enthusiastic and full of life. But post-chemo, she often felt drained. Due to her persistent nausea from chemotherapy she was unable to drink enough water to stay hydrated. We introduced her to IV hydration therapy, and the difference was night and day. She would feel significantly better after each session.
The Magic of IV Vitamin C
Beyond Just a Cold Remedy
IV Vitamin C, commonly known as ascorbic acid, has been widely recognized for its role in boosting our immune system and its effectiveness in warding off the common cold. However, its therapeutic potential goes far beyond these conventional uses. When administered in high doses intravenously, Vitamin C demonstrates a multifaceted behavior in the body.
IV Vitamin C achieves blood concentrations that are several times higher than what can be accomplished with oral ingestion [1]. Achieving these high blood concentrations is crucial to unlock Vitamin C’s therapeutic potential, especially in the context of cancer care. But what makes these elevated levels so noteworthy?
At regular, lower concentrations, Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, defending our body against harmful free radicals. However, in higher concentrations, this same Vitamin C surprisingly becomes a pro-oxidant [2]. This pro-oxidant property means that it can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the right contexts, ROS can be beneficial, especially when we’re targeting malignancies. There’s evidence suggesting that these ROS can selectively target cancer cells, leading to their damage or death while sparing normal cells [3]. This differential response provides a fascinating avenue of research and potential treatment for cancer patients.
A Ray of Sunshine on Cloudy Days
The therapeutic potential of IV Vitamin C, especially as a direct cancer treatment, remains a topic of active research and debate. However, its effectiveness in improving the quality of life for patients undergoing chemotherapy is gaining significant attention in the medical community.
One of the most common side effects of chemotherapy is fatigue, which can severely impact a patient’s day-to-day activities and overall well-being. Studies have shown that IV Vitamin C administration can significantly mitigate this chemotherapy-induced fatigue. By reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, often elevated in chemotherapy patients, Vitamin C appears to promote better energy levels and stamina [1].
Patients in the study group (those receiving IV Vitamin C) had lower average intensity of complaints during adjuvant therapy, adjusted for age, baseline overall intensity, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy (4)
Patients in the study group (those receiving IV Vitamin C) had less average intensity of complaints during aftercare, adjusted for age, baseline overall intensity, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy.
Mood disturbances, including depression and anxiety, are another challenge for many undergoing chemotherapy. Emerging evidence suggests that the antioxidant properties of Vitamin C may have a neuroprotective effect, potentially aiding in mood stabilization and alleviating symptoms of depression linked to chemotherapy treatments [2].
Furthermore, the holistic benefits of Vitamin C can’t be overlooked. Patients who receive regular doses of IV Vitamin C often report enhanced vitality, an improved sense of well-being, and better overall physical function [3]. These benefits, when combined, can play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life during the challenging phases of chemotherapy.
Personal Anecdote: Mark, a gentleman in his 50s battling stomach cancer, once told me how post-chemo fatigue made him feel “disconnected” from his loved ones. After a few sessions of IV Vitamin C, Mark shared that he started feeling more “present,” enjoying small moments with his family.
Charting the Path: Pre and Post Chemo Support
Gearing Up for the Battle
Undergoing chemotherapy can be likened to an athlete gearing up for a challenging marathon. Just as an athlete ensures adequate hydration and nourishment before the race, so should a chemotherapy patient prepare their body for the upcoming treatment. This preparation is not just about facing the physiological demands of chemotherapy but also about fostering emotional resilience during this taxing phase.
Intravenous (IV) hydration ensures that the patient’s body starts the chemotherapy session with optimal fluid balance, reducing the risk of dehydration-related side effects. But there’s another tool that has been showing promise in this preparatory phase: IV Vitamin C.
Administering Vitamin C intravenously before chemotherapy can serve multiple purposes. Apart from its potential to alleviate chemotherapy-induced side effects like fatigue and mood disturbances, there’s an important timing aspect to consider. Some studies suggest that taking IV Vitamin C a few days or even hours before the chemotherapy session can help prime the body to better respond to the chemotherapy drugs. It’s believed that this “priming” can potentially enhance the therapeutic effects of the drugs while simultaneously protecting normal cells from excessive damage [1].
However, the exact timing for IV Vitamin C administration before chemotherapy remains a topic of ongoing research. While some studies advocate for its infusion a couple of days prior to chemotherapy, others find benefits in administering it closer to the chemotherapy session [2]. Always, it’s paramount to work closely with an oncologist and specialists to determine the optimal timing and dosage for IV Vitamin C based on the specific chemotherapy regimen and individual patient needs.
Recovery, Resilience, and Renewal
Once the chemotherapy session concludes, the body embarks on a healing journey. Here, IV hydration steps in, replenishing lost fluids, while high dose Vitamin C aids cellular recovery and boosts the immune system. It’s like giving your body the tools it needs to rebuild and come back stronger.
Safety First
When I sit down with my patients, I often remind them of a simple truth: healthcare is not a one-size-fits-all journey. What’s beneficial for one individual may not be suitable for another, and this holds particularly true for IV Vitamin C therapy. While it offers a myriad of potential benefits, it’s vital to recognize the nuances and considerations associated with this treatment.
Common Side Effects of High Dose IV Vitamin C:
Most patients tolerate high dose IV Vitamin C remarkably well. However, a few might encounter common side effects such as:
- Nausea: This might occur during or shortly after the infusion process.
- Dizziness or Light-headedness: Especially during or soon after the treatment.
- Warm Sensation or Flushing: A warm, flushing sensation can be experienced by some during the infusion.
- Fatigue: A general sense of tiredness or weariness post-treatment.
Individual Considerations and Precautions:
- Renal Disease Concerns: A crucial cautionary note – patients with kidney disease might need to be particularly cautious or even avoid high dose Vitamin C. There’s a heightened risk for these patients of their kidney disease worsening with such treatments. It becomes imperative for these individuals to maintain consistent communication with their healthcare providers and nephrologists. Monitoring kidney function diligently, opting for more frequent but smaller dose regimens, and undergoing regular blood work are all steps that may need to be taken.
- G6PD Deficiency: For those considering very high doses of Vitamin C, specifically dosages exceeding 50 grams, there’s another crucial check – screening for Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. This enzyme is vital for our red blood cells’ health. A deficiency in G6PD can put patients at risk of hemolysis (a premature breakdown of red blood cells) when they’re introduced to high doses of Vitamin C.
In essence, while IV Vitamin C therapy can be a promising adjunctive treatment, it’s imperative to approach it with awareness and informed caution. Partner closely with your healthcare providers, be keenly aware of your body’s responses, and always prioritize personalized care tailored to your unique health needs and conditions.
Taking the Next Steps
Navigating the waters of cancer treatment is challenging, but you’re not alone. Seeking experienced clinics and professionals who specialize in IV hydration and Vitamin C therapy can make the journey smoother. Keep yourself informed and be an advocate for your health or that of your loved ones.
Conclusion
Chemotherapy is undoubtedly tough, but treatments like IV hydration and high dose Vitamin C offer hope and support. As a doctor, witnessing the transformation and resilience of patients like Sarah, Mark, and Mia has been nothing short of inspirational. Remember, it’s not just about the battles we face but the allies we have by our side.
References
[1] Padayatty, S. J., Sun, A. Y., Chen, Q., Espey, M. G., Drisko, J., & Levine, M. (2010). Vitamin C: intravenous use by complementary and alternative medicine practitioners and adverse effects. PloS one, 5(7), e11414. [2] Chen, Q., Espey, M. G., Krishna, M. C., Mitchell, J. B., Corpe, C. P., Buettner, G. R., … & Levine, M. (2005). Pharmacologic ascorbic acid concentrations selectively kill cancer cells: action as a pro-drug to deliver hydrogen peroxide to tissues. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 102(38), 13604-13609. [3] Doskey, C. M., Buranasudja, V., Wagner, B. A., Wilkes, J. G., Du, J., Cullen, J. J., & Buettner, G. R. (2016). Tumor cells have decreased ability to metabolize H2O2: Implications for pharmacological ascorbate in cancer therapy. Redox Biology, 10, 274-284. [4] Vollbracht, C., Schneider, B., Leendert, V., Weiss, G., Auerbach, L., & Beuth, J. (2011). Intravenous vitamin C administration improves quality of life in breast cancer patients during chemo-/radiotherapy and aftercare: results of a retrospective, multicentre, epidemiological cohort study in Germany. In Vivo, 25(6), 983-990. [5] Carr, A. C., & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and immune function. Nutrients, 9(11), 1211. [6] Yeom, C. H., Jung, G. C., & Song, K. J. (2007). Changes of terminal cancer patients’ health-related quality of life after high dose vitamin C administration. Journal of Korean Medical Science, 22(1), 7-11. [7] Monti, D. A., Mitchell, E., Bazzan, A. J., Littman, S., Zabrecky, G., Yeo, C. J., … & Newberg, A. B. (2012). Phase I evaluation of intravenous ascorbic acid in combination with gemcitabine and erlotinib in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. PloS one, 7(1), e29794. [8] Ma, Y., Chapman, J., Levine, M., Polireddy, K., Drisko, J., & Chen, Q. (2014). High-dose parenteral ascorbate enhanced chemosensitivity of ovarian cancer and reduced toxicity of chemotherapy. Science translational medicine, 6(222), 222ra18-222ra18
