Using high-dose vitamin C to treat cancer

Exploiting Redox Metabolism Using Pharmacological Ascorbate for Cancer Therapy

['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF IOWA · NIH-10479126

This study is looking at how high doses of vitamin C given through an IV might help treat different kinds of cancer, like non-small cell lung cancer, by making cancer cells more vulnerable to other treatments while keeping healthy cells safe.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_P01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF IOWA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10479126 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of high-dose intravenous vitamin C, known as pharmacologic ascorbate, to treat various types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer. The approach focuses on delivering high plasma concentrations of vitamin C that can selectively kill cancer cells while sparing normal cells. The research team has shown that this treatment can induce oxidative stress in cancer cells, making them more susceptible to existing therapies like chemotherapy and radiation. The study aims to establish pharmacologic ascorbate as a safe and effective adjunct to standard cancer treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer or other types of cancer who are undergoing standard chemotherapy or radiation treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers that do not respond to oxidative stress or those who are not undergoing conventional therapies may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients with cancer that enhances the efficacy of existing therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results using high-dose intravenous vitamin C in cancer treatment, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

IOWA CITY, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancers

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.