title: Vitamin C in alternative cancer treatment: historical background.
abstract: Ascorbic acid is the single-nutrient supplement most commonly used by cancer patients, although in most cases this takes place without the physician's knowledge or supervision. A comprehensive review of the literature is presented on the impact of ascorbic acid on cancer survival. Findings from 6 uncontrolled studies suggest that ascorbic acid may increase survival, whereas 2 controlled trials have yielded null results. The relative strengths and limitations of these studies are discussed. A turning point occurred with the release of the 2 controlled (null) studies, which influenced many physicians to turn away from nutrition in the care of cancer patients. Controversy about these trials still persists, however, in the alternative cancer community.
authors.affiliation: Block Center for Integrative Cancer Care, Evanston, Illinois 60201, USA.
authors.forename: Keith I
authors.initials: KI
authors.lastname: Block
authors.forename: Mark N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Mead
mesh_terms: D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000379:methods; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016019:Survival Analysis
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D001205:Ascorbic Acid