High dose intravenous vitamin c and metastatic pancreatic cancer: Two cases

Abstract

Volume 3(6): 1-2 elevated values of cholesterol (311 mg/dL), triglycerides (430 mg/dL), and carbohydrate AG 19-9 (288 U/mL). The patient started the intravenous vitamin C treatment on May, 05 2013 and initially received three different doses of vitamin C the first week. The first dose was 25 gr of vitamin C (sodium ascorbate) in 250cc Ringer's lactated solution during 1hour infusion. The second infusion was 50 gr of vitamin C in 500 cc of Ringer's lactated solution over a period of 1.5 hr. The third infusion was 75 gr of vitamin C in 1,000 mL of Ringer's lactated solution over a period of 2 hrs. A maximum of 75 gr of vitamin C in 1,000 mL Ringer's lactated solution was given three times a week over a period of 2 months. During high doses of intravenous vitamin C treatment, the laboratory data showed an important progress. Cholesterol and triglycerides values decreased to 266 mg/dL and 196 mg/dL respectively. Laboratory value of carbohydrate AG 19-9 lowered to 36 U/mL (normal range 0-35 U/mL). No other treatment was given during IV Vitamin C therapy. A whole body PET/CT study was performed on July 05, 2013. Her weight at this time was 140 pounds. The liver appeared enlarge with diffuse FDG activity. No focal areas of abnormal FDG uptake were noted within the hepatic parenchyma. The spleen, adrenal glands and visualized pancreatic portions demonstrate no area of abdominal FDG uptake. According to the PET/CT impression "no hypermetabolic foci to suggest F-18 FDG avid active neoplastic process or metastatic disease at present time." No adverse side effects were reported by the High dose intravenous vitamin c and metastatic pancreatic cancer: Two cases Abstract Pancreatic cancer is considered an incurable disease. The survival rate of patients in all stages of the disease is poor. Overall, median survival is 3-5 months with a 12-month survival rate of 10% and a 5-year survival rate less than 5%. Case report: We report a rare case of a long term survivor (2 years) of metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas controlled with high dose intravenous Vitamin C with an acceptable performance status and quality of life.