High-Dose Vitamin C Promotes Regression of Multiple Pulmonary Metastases Originating from Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Yonsei Med J. 2015 Sep;56(5):1449-52. doi: 10.3349/ymj.2015.56.5.1449.

Abstract

We report a case of regression of multiple pulmonary metastases, which originated from hepatocellular carcinoma after treatment with intravenous administration of high-dose vitamin C. A 74-year-old woman presented to the clinic for her cancer-related symptoms such as general weakness and anorexia. After undergoing initial transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), local recurrence with multiple pulmonary metastases was found. She refused further conventional therapy, including sorafenib tosylate (Nexavar). She did receive high doses of vitamin C (70 g), which were administered into a peripheral vein twice a week for 10 months, and multiple pulmonary metastases were observed to have completely regressed. She then underwent subsequent TACE, resulting in remission of her primary hepatocellular carcinoma.

Keywords: High-dose vitamin C; hepatocellular carcinoma; multiple pulmonary metastases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Ascorbic Acid / administration & dosage*
  • Ascorbic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / pathology
  • Chemoembolization, Therapeutic
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
  • Niacinamide / analogs & derivatives
  • Niacinamide / therapeutic use
  • Phenylurea Compounds / therapeutic use
  • Sorafenib
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Phenylurea Compounds
  • Niacinamide
  • Sorafenib
  • Ascorbic Acid