(Iowa City, IA) -- A University of Iowa study says a treatment for some types of cancer could double survival times. High dosages of vitamin C in an IV could lead to better results for those with late-stage pancreatic cancer. Dr. Joe Cullen is a professor at the university.
"If you received an IV of vitamin C, you doubled your overall survival from 8 months, in the standard of care chemotherapy group, to 16 months," Dr. Cullen says.
He explains why.
"So, when we give it intravenously, we increase the blood levels a thousand fold," Dr. Cullen says. "And when you increase the blood levels that high, it kills the cancer cells."
The results from the IVs also lend a hand when it comes to other treatments.
"Not only do we increase overall survival," Dr. Cullen says. "They are able to receive more chemotherapy for a longer period of time."
The Vitamin C was also tested in brain cancer patients. They're trying it with lung cancer patients, too.