Dr. Connie Jimenez: Infusing Hope; Intravenous Vitamin C's Role in Battling Cancer
We're thrilled to welcome Prof. Dr. Connie Jimenez, a leading figure in the field of OncoProteomics, to discuss high-dose intravenous vitamin C (IVC) as an anti-cancer strategy.
Dr. Jimenez is the Founder and Head of the OncoProteomics Laboratory and Professor of “Translational OncoProteomics” at the VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam. The focus of our conversation is her comprehensive 2021 research summary, “High-dose intravenous vitamin C, a promising multi-targeting agent in the treatment of cancer,” published in the Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research. This pivotal work offers tumor site-specific information, as well as cancer drug-specific information, making it an invaluable resource for patients seeking relevant and personalized insights.
Listeners will gain an in-depth understanding of the optimal dose levels of IVC used in research studies, crucial for achieving effective use of the therapy. Moreover, Dr. Jimenez elucidates the mechanisms of action of IVC, including its ability to reactivate tumor suppressor genes, which play a critical role in cancer prevention and treatment.
Dr. Jimenez describes IVC’s ability to act as a 'Trojan horse', penetrating tumor cells, even in cancers with challenging mutations that are difficult to treat.
Additionally, our conversation sheds light on the secondary benefits of IVC, particularly in alleviating the side effects of chemotherapy. This dual role of IVC, both as a direct combatant against cancer cells and as a mitigator of chemotherapy's adverse effects, underscores its potential as a multifaceted treatment option.
Don't miss this episode as we explore these groundbreaking insights with Prof. Dr. Connie Jimenez, offering hope and new perspectives in the ongoing battle against cancer.
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00:00:00 Introduction
00:04:08 What is OncoProteomics and why it’s important for cancer patients
00:10:50 Importance of vitamin C for cancer patients.
00:15:48 Vitamin C, an evolutionary important molecule and its association with stress
00:20:48 Discussion of research review, “High-dose intravenous vitamin C, a promising multi-targeting agent in the treatment of cancer”
00:31:30 IVC benefits for secondary health issues associated with cancer
00:36:00 IVC effects on cancer cells
00:38:36 How IVC works to kill cancer cells - mechanisms of action
00:45:30 IVC in combination with immunotherapies
00:47:35 IVC and specific tumor mutations
00:51:19 IVC for breast and prostate cancers
00:53:07 Fifty-one different cancer cell lines tested with IVC in Dr. Jimenez’s lab
00:53:58 Doses and treatment schedules used in a research setting
00:57:30 Different cancer cell line sensitivities to IVC
01:02:26 Safety of IVC
01:08:06 The future; areas of interest for Dr. Jimenez’s lab
01:12:02 Closing disclosures
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Böttger, F., Vallés-Martí, A., Cahn, L. et al. High-dose intravenous vitamin C, a promising multi-targeting agent in the treatment of cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 40, 343 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13046-021-02134-y
Polireddy K, Dong R, Reed G, Yu J, Chen P, Williamson S, Violet PC, Pessetto Z, Godwin AK, Fan F, Levine M, Drisko JA, Chen Q. High Dose Parenteral Ascorbate Inhibited Pancreatic Cancer Growth and Metastasis: Mechanisms and a Phase I/IIa study. Sci Rep. 2017 Dec 7;7(1):17188. Preclinical and clinical
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Schoenfeld JD, Sibenaller ZA, Mapuskar KA, Wagner BA, Cramer-Morales KL, Furqan M, Sandhu S, Carlisle TL, Smith MC, Abu Hejleh T, Berg DJ, Zhang J, Keech J, Parekh KR, Bhatia S, Monga V, Bodeker KL, Ahmann L, Vollstedt S, Brown H, Shanahan Kauffman EP, Schall ME, Hohl RJ, Clamon GH, Greenlee JD, Howard MA, Schultz MK, Smith BJ, Riley DP, Domann FE, Cullen JJ, Buettner GR, Buatti JM, Spitz DR, Allen BG. O2⋅- and H2O2-Mediated Disruption of Fe Metabolism Causes the Differential Susceptibility of NSCLC and GBM Cancer Cells to Pharmacological Ascorbate. Cancer Cell. 2017 Apr 10;31(4):487-500.e8. doi: 10.1016/j.ccell.2017.02.018. Epub 2017 Mar 30. Erratum in: Cancer Cell. 2017 Aug 14;32(2):268. PMID: 28366679; PMCID: PMC5497844.
Ngo, B., Van Riper, J.M., Cantley, L.C. et al. Targeting cancer vulnerabilities with high-dose vitamin C. Nat Rev Cancer 19, 271–282 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41568-019-0135-7
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Ma Y, Chapman J, Levine M, Polireddy K, Drisko J, Chen Q. High-Dose Parenteral Ascorbate Enhanced Chemosensitivity of Ovarian Cancer and Reduced Toxicity of Chemotherapy. Sci Transl Med. 2014 Feb 5;6(222):222ra18.
Alexander MS, Wilkes JG, Schroeder SR, Buettner GR, Wagner BA, Du J, et al. Pharmacologic Ascorbate Reduces Radiation-Induced Normal Tissue Toxicity and Enhances Tumor Radiosensitization in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Res. 2018 Dec 15;78(24):6838–51.
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There are many clinical trials involving ascorbate, also known as high-dose vitamin C. The studies below were recruiting patients at the time of this writing. This list may not be complete and new research is continually posted. Please refer to www.clinicaltrials.gov for the most up-to-date information.
A Phase 2 Study Adding Ascorbate to Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy for NSCLC (XACT-LUNG)
Gemcitabine Plus Ascorbate for Sarcoma in Adults (Pilot)
High Dose Ascorbic Acid for Plasma Cell Disorders
Phase II Study of PARP Inhibitor Olaparib and IV Ascorbate in Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer
Vitamin C to Quality of Life in Patients With Terminal Stage Pancreatic Cancer (PTCA199-4)
Vitamin C to Chemotherapy Related Anemia in Pancreatic Cancer (PTCA199-3)
The Outperform Cancer podcast provides health information and should not be viewed as medical, nursing, or other professional healthcare advice. Listening to or engaging with the content does not create a doctor/patient relationship. Any reliance on the information from this podcast or linked materials is solely at your own discretion. This podcast's content is not meant to replace professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or care. If you have a medical issue or question, consult with a healthcare professional without delay.