DCA for cancer treatment

How long has humanity been plagued by cancer? The answer might surprise you. It looks like our ancestors faced the same challenges as we do in the 21st century. Some of the earliest proof of cancer is found among ancient mummies from Egypt. Archaeological evidence suggests that people of the past suffered from the same types of tumors as people do nowadays. However, ancient Egyptians had no clear understanding what cancer is and hence no effective therapies existed. The cause and cure for the dreaded disease have always remained a mystery. (Ref.) Fortunately, in the last century the progress in understanding oncological diseases has been tremendous. When anesthesia became available, surgeons rapidly developed operations that removed the entire tumor along with cancerous lymph nodes. (Ref.) During World War II, compounds blocking critical chemical reactions for DNA replication emerged. Further development of such cytotoxic agents led to the advent of chemotherapy. Unfortunately, these drugs targeted normal cells as well as cancer cells, therefore, safer yet effective alternatives were still needed. (Ref.) Before long, more sophisticated treatments such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy became available in oncology. The better understanding of cancer biology resulted in new age medicines. These medications could boost the immune system’s response to target malignant cells and hinder cancer growth, division as well as metastasis. (Ref.1), (Ref.2) Interestingly, the whole exploration process led to unexpected discoveries. Significant metabolic shifts were acknowledged to be a characteristic of many cancer types. Coupled with the emerging wave of drug repurposing these findings opened the door for metabolic cancer treatment and soon Sodium dichloroacetate became the most prominent example of this strategy. (Ref.) Table of Content Cancer metabolism How DCA treats cancer? What positive improvements to expect? How to use DCA for cancer? Cancer cells and DCA-resistance. How to overcome this problem? Cancer metabolism In 1923, a German biochemist, medical doctor and Nobel Prize laureate, Otto Heinrich Warburg, made a ground-breaking discovery vital in understanding the energy metabolism of cancer cells. This identified phenomenon is now recognized as the hallmark of cancer and is called the Warburg effect. Otto Warburg observed the cells of a rat tumor and noticed that their growth is powered by extreme amounts of glucose (sugar) without the increased use of oxygen. This made no sense since using oxygen for producing energy from nutrients is a significantly more efficient way. Over a hundred years ago such findings raised more questions than answers. Now it’s known that the enormous glucose hunger and reduced intake of oxygen grant cancer cells a unique set of evolutionary advantages. (Ref.) One of the ways how cancer cells benefit from the Warburg effect is by shifting to rapid biomass production. The increased glucose uptake provides the cancerous tissue more building components for making new genetic material and protein, ultimately leading to increased cancer proliferation and growth. (Ref.) In addition, it is well known that normal mammal cells are constantly supplied with oxygen, otherwise they would die quickly. However, malignant cells act in a…

Sodium dichloroacetate

Sodium dichloroacetate, commonly referred to as DCA, is a salt of sodium and dichloroacetic acid. The formula of the compound is Cl2 CH COONa. Key characteristics and interesting facts about DCA:• The structure of the DCA molecule resembles the combination of table salt and vinegar. • Under normal conditions, DCA appears in a white, powder form and is soluble in water.• Sodium dichloroacetate is not patentable.• There are no restrictions on its transportation; it can be freely sold without strict regulations. Production and Occurrence of DCA:The compound is normally synthesized in laboratories. However, small quantities are widespread in the environment as a side product of water chlorination. DCA can also naturally occur in a variety of red algae including Asparagopsis taxiformis.Medical Uses of DCASodium Dichloroacetate has a long history of use in medicine.• It has been used for the treatment of children with genetic mitochondrial disorders for over 40 years. • Its pharmacology was extensively studies.• DCA has been researched in cells, animals, children and adults for various conditions as a monotherapy or in combination with other therapies.Table of ContentStory of DCAHow DCA works?Sodium dichloroacetate dosageDCA safety and side effect prevention Story of DCA 1983 Congenital lactic acidosis1987 Ischemic stroke / Heart attack2007 Cancer2017 Pulmonary arterial hypertension2018 Chronic fatigue syndrome2019 EndometriosisSodium dichloroacetate is a fascinating little molecule. The first contributions to its research began at the 70s. Slowly but surely it grew into an exercise in lateral thinking, bringing people all over the world together. (Ref.)Hundreds of published studies, some of them funded by the FDA, attempted to reveal whether this medication could become a new way of treating various incurable illnesses. (Ref.)On the flip side, since DCA is frequently found in the water around us, authorities such as the U.S. and the Australian government financed scientists to investigate the safety of this unknown substance. (Ref.)Soon after, DCA has received a lot of attention by becoming a drug that can help in managing a wide variety of diseases. This very day it remains the only available medicine for treating children with inherited errors of mitochondrial metabolism. (Ref.)DCA has also demonstrated efficacy in controlling conditions such as diabetes, elevated serum cholesterol and triglycerides as well as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). (Ref.1), (Ref.2), (Ref.3), (Ref.4)Over the past decades, the molecule has found its place among dozens of clinical trials with patients. The studies involving Sodium dichloroacetate display success in managing common, but difficult to treat conditions including pulmonary arterial hypertension, chronic fatigue syndrome, endometriosis and malignancies. (Ref.1), (Ref.2), (Ref.3), (Ref.4)Nowadays, DCA is not only frequently seen in ongoing clinical research, the medication is also used to treat people in alternative medicine clinics globally. Besides, Sodium dichloroacetate is often offered to patients as an off-label drug in primary health care.∙ Since 1983 Dichloroacetate has been put into practice to treat children with congenital lactic acidosis. DCA improves the quality of life as well as the survival of patients that suffer from dangerous mitochondrial disorders. (Ref.1), (Ref.2)The medication does so by stimulating the Pyruvate dehydrogenase complex enzymes located in our mitochondria. When…

DCA dosage and usage (Quick guide)

1. DOSAGE Recommended DCA daily dose is 20 mg/kg daily (milligrams per human body kilogram per day).Calculation of dosage for a particular person is simple: just multiply your weight by 20 mg/kg and you will get daily DCA dose in milligrams. For example - if the person weighs 75 kg:75 kg x 20 mg/kg = 1500 milligrams daily = 1.5 grams of DCA daily (5 capsules of 333 mg or 3 capsules of 500 mg) The weight of the person should be taken excluding overweight. MINIMAL DOSEMinimal therapeutically effective DCA daily dose is two times smaller - 10 mg/kg daily. Smaller amount is not recommended as the drug may have little to no effect. MAXIMAL DOSEIn case there are no side effects, DCA dosage may be increased to 30-40 mg/kg daily.In case of strong side effects daily dose should be reduced to 10-20 mg/kg daily. 2. MEASURING DCA POWDER The most accurate way to measure DCA powder is by water solution. It is best to prepare a solution containing 0,1 g of DCA powder in 1 ml of water solution. 1. Put 25 grams of DCA into 250 ml bottle (alternatively 50 grams into 500 ml, or 100 grams into 1000 ml). WARNING: remove and dispose of the desiccant packet, if there is one inside. 2. Pour cool distilled water till it reaches the 250 ml point. 3. Close the bottle and shake it until the powder dissolves. 4. This way 1 ml of solution will hold 0,1g of Sodium Dichloroacetate 1 milliliter DCA solution = 0,1 gram powder DCA DCA solution, ml12345678910DCA powder, g0,10,20,30,40,50,60,70,80,91,0 3. DCA SCHEDULE DCA should be taken 2 times a day with food. One half in the morning, the second half in the evening. For example, if a person weights 80 kg and takes 2 grams (6 capsules) daily, he should take 1 gram (3 capsules) with breakfast and 1 gram (3 capsules)  with dinner. During the first week of the treatment take smaller doses: Day% of daily doseDay 125%Day 250%Day 375%Day 475%Day 575%Day 6BreakDay 7Break If using DCA doesn‘t cause any unwanted side effects, next week start taking the full dose. There are two known schemes for DCA usage:A) Take full daily doses of DCA for five days straight and then take a break for two days. Repeat this routine every new week. (old way)B) Take full daily doses of DCA every day for two weeks and then take one week off. This scheme could be more beneficial when seeking a better antitumor effect. (new way) 4. THE DURATION OF TREATMENT Best results are to be expected in stage 1, 2 and 3 cancer. STAGE 1 - 2: Usually about 2 - 3 months, depending on the results. Take scans and tests often to monitor your cancer. Recurrence prevention: in case of remission, it is recommended to take DCA periodically (for about 6 weeks every 18 months or so). Tests should be taken, and, if there is a need, the frequency of DCA treatment may be increased. STAGE 1, 2 or 3, IN CASE OF SURGERY WHERE ALL OR MOST OF…

DCA papers and clinical trials

For almost a decade there has been a growing interest in Dicholoroacetates potential to successfully get rid of cancer while causing minimal harm to healthy organs. DCA is a relatively cheap substance which cannot be patented by the pharmaceutical industry, thus it could not generate profit for private drug companies. Right now, because of this reason, Dichloroacetate isn't receiving enough funding and attention which it deserves. Despite that, there are plenty of ongoing and completed studies which examine the facts of DCA appliance for therapy. This site will present a handful of completed scientific investigations and will constantly update you with the most recent publications related to the subject. Below you can find full research reports of Sodium Dichoroacetate (DCA) as an anti-cancer agent. [subpages]

Methods and supplements for preventing DCA side effects

When you begin your Sodium dichloroacetate regimen, it is crucial that you take supplementation which provides protective benefits. This way you minimize the chance for developingr reversible peripheral neuropathy as well as other adverse reactions related to the nervous system. Below you will find a list of supplements which are essential or recommended for a pleasant DCA usage experience with the lowest achievable side effect probability. ▪ Vitamin B1 – thiamine.(Necessary)(take one and a half 100mg capsules / tablets twice a day. Take it before breakfast and before lunch.An alternative way - take 100 mg three times a day. Total - 300 mg) The B group vitamin thiamine appears to have a protective effect against peripheral neuropathy. This food supplement can be used not only for DCA induced neuropathy but also for other neuropathies which are caused by diabetes and chronic alcohol abuse. (Ref.)We recommend using benfotiamine because it can be absorbed over five times better than the ordinary thiamine form. In addition, the newest research claims that Vitamin B1 can have an antiproliferative effect on malignant cells. (Ref.) ▪ Alpha–Lipoic acid. (Necessary)(take one 300 mg R+/S- capsule/tablet three times a day or take one 150 mg R+ capsule/tablet three times a day. Take it before breakfast, before lunch and before dinner. Total - 900 mg (R+/S-) or 450 mg (R+))α-Lipoic acid is a strong antioxidant, it helps avoiding and controlling symptoms related to neuropathy. The supplement can lower anxiety, memory problems as well as help keeping away from peripheral neuropathy manifestations such as tingling, burning, painful sensations and numbness. (Ref.)You can use smaller doses if you're taking R-form α-Lipoic acid.If you have Racemate α-Lipoic acid (which is a mix of R and L forms), you should take a twice larger dose to fulfill your daily goal. ! Don't take α-Lipoic acid if you're receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy.α-Lipoic acid has a strong antioxidative effect that can interfere with the effectiveness of chemotherapy. For this reason, we recommend staying away from this supplement a couple of days before the chemo, during the treatment and 1 week after the chemotherapy. (Ref.)α-Lipoic acid also can decrease the effectiveness of radiotherapy. This is why we recommend avoiding taking it for several days before, during and 2 week after these procedures. ▪ Acetyl L-Carnitine. (Recommended)(take on 600mg capsule / tablet three times a day. Take it before breakfast, before lunch and before dinner. Total - 1800 mg)The majority of scientific studies claims that Carnitine can be an effective aid to lower peripheral neuropathy. Acetyl L-Carnitine is also an attractive option because its longtime usage does not cause any side effects and carries no health risk. (Ref1.), (Ref2.), (Ref3.)α-Lipoic acid and Acetyl L-Carnitine both appear to have a synergistic effect at preventing neuropathy. On rare occasions, Sodium dichloroacetate administration can result in heartburn or nausea. If this is the case, try taking DCA after you eat a little bit of food and drink some fluids to avoid your stomach becoming irritated.If that didin't resolve the problem, you should try taking medications that lower gastric acid secretion - proton pump inhibitors.Any type of PPI is acceptable provided the fact that…

DCA safety and side effects

Sodium dichloroacetate is considered to be a fairly safe alternative cancer treatment. There have been no cases recorded for DCA to be a cause of death.Before we begin, we should bear in mind that Sodium dicholoroacetate has already demonstrated  success in dealing with ‘‘Lactic acidosis in children with congenital mitochondrial defects“  for some time. The first scientific studies and the usage of the drug began over 40 years ago. (Ref.)In this time period, DCA has been constantly used as a medication for congenital mitochondrial diseases. Mild and Reversible Side Effects of DCA The research done by Peter Stacpoole and his colleagues proved that when used for therapy, Sodium dichloroacetate can cause none, mild or moderate side effects. (Ref.)The probability of adverse reactions is dependent on the dosing and the age of the patient. Larger DCA doses and  older patient age (above 40 years) are related to a higher side effect occurrence. (Ref.)On exceptionally rare occasions, a small portion of the population can metabolize DCA more slowly than the average. For this reason, even the standard DCA doses can cause adverse reactions to appear faster and more prominent in this group of people. In this case, lowering the DCA dose should fix the issues.If you stop taking DCA, almost all of the side effects disappear in less than a week. The reversible peripheral neuropathy can sometimes take up to 7 or 14 days (rarely) to resolve completely. (Ref.) According to one of the most famous DCA clinics and their observational data, 44 % of the patients who have taken DCA did not experience side effects. The most common side effects caused by Sodium Dichloroacetate: ▪ Peripheral neuropathy.  (experienced by up to 20% of people who use DCA). This group of symptoms begins in the fingers, hands and feet. Depending on the intensity of the neuropathy, it can manifest as tingling, numbness, tremor, painful sensations and slightly increased difficulty of coordinated movement.On less common occasions, neuropathy can emerge in other places and appear as the tingling of eyes, lips and tongue. Typically, at least a couple of weeks or months are needed for peripheral neuropathy to develop.This side effect is reversible – its intensity can decrease or it can disappear completely upon lowering the DCA dose or stopping DCA usage. (Ref.) At the bottom of the article you will find information about the supplements and methods you can apply to avoid this adverse reaction. ▪ Sleepiness, mental fogginess, confusion  (experienced by up to 20% of people who use DCA). This group of symptoms is reversible – you can decrease their intensity or completely make them disappear by lowering the DCA dose or stopping DCA usage. The rare side effects caused by Dichloroacetate: ▪ Heartburn, nausea, digestive disorders. Administering Dichloroacetate through the mouth can sometimes cause GI irritability. At the bottom of the article you will find information about the supplements and methods you can apply to avoid this adverse reaction. ▪ Pain at the tumor site (temporary and then resolves). A very rare adverse reaction. It indicates that due increased apoptosis a lot of cancer cells are dying and indicates…

DCA dosage and usage (Long guide)

DCA doses and how to count themThe usage of DCA powder and capsulesHow to store DCA ?DCA administration scheduleExample 2007 was a huge year for Dichloroacetate and cancer. A group of researchers found out that this old orphan drug could be a promising selective anticancer agent as it significantly shrunk DCA-treated tumors. (Ref.)Naturally, the next question - what doses of Sodium dichloroacetate could be safe and effective for treatment ?As luck would have it, the substance, Dichloroacetate, has been used as a medication for treating other conditions for more than several decades. All of the research regarding the dosing size, side effects as well as the long term safety have been already completed. (Ref1.), (Ref2.)One should bear in mind these two important principles when starting DCA therapy:1) You should always begin with a smaller dose. After the first DCA cycle (eg. a week or three weeks) when you’re sure that DCA is well tolerated, the dose can be increased to normal.2) Vit B1. and ALA supplements are a must. They serve brilliantly to decrease the probability of side effects and their intensity. When you use DCA smartly and responsibly, the whole experience is more likely to be safe and sound. In this case, you can even use higher Sodium dichloroacetate doses, avoid discomfort and achieve better results.  You can read more about the subject on DCA safety and side effects. DOSAGE Sodium dichloroacetate can be used in two different ways – intravenously or through oral administration. Depending on the route of administration, there are different rules, doses and usage patterns. We’ll mainly talk about the more simple alternative, when DCA is taken by mouth (orally). The formula for counting your daily dose:A kg x B mg/kg = C mg(Body weight x Dose size= Daily DCA dose)A – This is your body weight. It should be counted without the excess body weight. Excess body weight is defined as the amount of weight that is in excess of the ideal body weight (BMI 18,5 – 24,9).Ideal body weight is conventionally determined by the Metropolitan Life Tables, or as a BMI of <25 kg/m2.For example, if you‘re 5'11”/ 180 cm tall and you weigh 100 kg (220 lb), then you should enter 81 kg (178,5 lb) to the formula.To find out your ideal body weight based on your height, visit this site – link. B – These are the standard dose norms. The ordinary DCA dose is 25 mg/kg, the lowest effective DCA dose is 10 mg/kg, the highest DCA dose is 50 mg/kg a day. C –  This is your daily DCA dose. You have to take the half of this before breakfast and the other half before dinner. We’ll give you a quick example just to make things clear:Let’s assume that you weight 75 kg (165 lb):75 kg x 10 mg/kg = 750 mg (first DCA cycle)or75 kg x 25 mg/kg = 1875 (normal dose DCA cycle).As you already know, you can count this dose quick and easy at our online dosage calculator – here.Also, you should keep in mind that you have to take…

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