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Myeloma Therapy Using Intraveneous Vitamin C with Dr. Guido Tricot, MD, PhD, University of Iowa

Posted on: Mar 31, 2017

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Description

Guido Tricot, MD, PhD
University of Iowa
Interview Date: March 31, 2017

In the 1970's, intravenous vitamin C was tested against solid cancers and found to have some treatment benefit. Then in the 1990's, it was tried again but this time orally. The doses that could be given and absorbed into the body were not sufficient to kill the cancer cells. Researchers at the University of Iowa have now tested mega-doses of intravenous vitamin C in combination with standard myeloma drugs. Dr. Tricot shares how they tested it with carfilzomib, bortezomib and the chemotherapy melphalan. The vitamin C/bortezomib combination only reduced the impact of bortezomib. The vitamin C/carfilzomib combo didn't look much better than vitamin C or carfilzomib alone. Pairing it with melphalan showed fascinating impact. Pairing intravenous vitamin C with melphalan made the cancer killing effect more powerful than vitamin C or melphalan alone. Even lower doses of vitamin C paired with melphalan had greater impact than high doses of melphalan. The researchers now want to test vitamin C in smoldering myeloma as a single treatment and for transplant ineligible patients over 65 who would only be able to receive melphalan in reduced doses. Learn more in this fascinating show.

Thanks to our episode sponsor

Overview

Guido Tricot, MD, PhD
University of Iowa
Interview Date: March 31, 2017

Thanks to our episode sponsor

On this episode

Dr. Guido Tricot

Dr. Tricot's most recent clinical studies focus on not only attacking myeloma cells but also the microenvironment that supports the survival and growth of myeloma cells. His work aims at finding treatments that are non-cross-resistant with current chemotherapy and therefore can eradicate the drug-resistant myeloma cells. His work on detailed genetics of myeloma cells should allow individualized therapies to ensure the greatest efficacy, while minimizing toxicity. Over the last 15 years, the median survival for patients newly diagnosed with myeloma has, in large part due to this work, increased from 2.5 to more than 10 years. The complete remission rate has increased from 5% to 80% and one third of all patients are still in complete remission at 10 years. He received his medical degree from Catholic University of Leuven and has been in practice for more than 20 years.

Jennifer Ahlstrom

Myeloma survivor, patient advocate, wife, mom of 6. Believer that patients can help accelerate a cure by weighing in and participating in clinical research. Founder of the HealthTree Foundation.

Transcript

Myeloma Therapy Using Intraveneous Vitamin C with Dr. Guido Tricot, MD, PhD, University of Iowa

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