How High-Dose IV Vitamin C Supports Cancer Cell Sensitivity in Dunedin

Exploring the Cellular Mechanisms That Make Pharmacologic Ascorbate an Emerging Cancer Adjunct

Ongoing clinical research continues to investigate how high-dose intravenous Vitamin C enhances cancer cell sensitivity through oxidative and epigenetic mechanisms.

How High-Dose IV Vitamin C Improves Cancer Sensitivity in Dunedin

At Dunedin Medical & Aesthetics Clinic, we offer high-dose IV Vitamin C cancer sensitivity support in Dunedin as part of a personalised, medically-led approach. Unlike oral vitamin C, which is tightly regulated by the gut and liver, intravenous administration bypasses these controls—achieving plasma concentrations up to 100 times higher.

This allows vitamin C to act not just as an antioxidant, but as a pro-oxidant in tumour microenvironments, selectively targeting cancer cells without harming normal tissue.

How Does It Work? The Mechanisms at Play

High-dose vitamin C delivers pharmacologic concentrations of ascorbate directly into the bloodstream. At these levels, it generates hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in extracellular fluid. Healthy cells typically neutralise H₂O₂ with catalase enzymes—but many cancer cells are deficient in catalase, making them more vulnerable.

Three Key Anti-Cancer Pathways:

• Hydrogen Peroxide Generation: Leads to selective oxidative stress in tumour cells (Chen et al., 2005)

• DNA Demethylation via TET Activation: Enhances anti-tumour gene expression, particularly with agents like decitabine (Zhao et al., 2018)

• Cancer Stem Cell (CSC) Targeting: Disrupts energy metabolism and reduces resistance to chemo or radiotherapy (Satheesh et al., 2020)

These mechanisms help explain why high-dose IV Vitamin C is gaining traction in integrative oncology.

What Does the Evidence Say?

Multiple clinical and preclinical studies support the potential of high-dose vitamin C as an adjunct therapy:

• Ma et al. (2014): In a phase I/II trial, ovarian cancer patients receiving vitamin C alongside chemotherapy experienced fewer side effects and longer progression-free survival🔗 Read on PubMed

• Zhao et al. (2018): Elderly AML patients treated with decitabine and vitamin C showed increased survival and remission rates🔗 Read on PubMed

• Shenoy et al. (2018): Reviewed emerging data on pharmacokinetics, tumour selectivity, and clinical safety of IV ascorbate🔗 Read on PubMed

Who Is It For?

Patients considering high-dose IV Vitamin C for cancer sensitivity are often seeking:

• A scientifically grounded adjunct to chemo or radiation

• Reduction in fatigue, nausea, or inflammation

• Better quality of life and immune support

• A mechanism-driven approach, not a miracle claim

Treatment protocols are individually prescribed and tailored to each patient’s clinical profile.

Clinical Oversight and Eligibility

This is a prescription-only treatment provided under medical supervision. All patients undergo:

• Renal function testing (eGFR, creatinine)

• G6PD enzyme screening (to prevent haemolysis)

• Clinical review of medications, supplements, and oncology regimen

You must notify us of any changes to medications, health status, or herbal/naturopathic therapies. We may defer or decline treatment if risks outweigh benefits.

Ready to Explore a Science-Based Approach?

Appointments for IV Vitamin C cancer sensitivity support in Dunedin are limited and subject to clinical screening. Contact Dr Lee today to see if this therapy is appropriate for your treatment plan.

Contact Dr Lee

📧 Email: drlee@dunedinmedical.co.nz📱 Mobile: 021 790 789🌐 www.dunedinmedical.co.nz