DCA (dichloroacetate) FAQ
What types of cancers does DCA work on?
Several publications demonstrate that DCA works in a variety of cancers. These include human studies / case reports and lab studies (rat and in vitro). The cancer types studied so far are: colon, breast, prostate, ovarian, brain (neuroblastoma), brain (glioblastoma), lung (carcinoid), uterus (cervix), uterus (endometrial), lymphoma (non-Hodgkin’s), and cancer of unknown primary
Is DCA natural?
DCA is a synthetic substance, but it is a very simple compound similar to a chemical combination of salt and vinegar. It works against cancer in a natural way (by triggering natural cell suicide - apoptosis).
is DCA safe?
DCA has been used in humans to treat a rare disease called “congenital lactic acidosis”, and found to have some mild to moderate side effects. Our experience so far suggests that DCA is safe to use in cancer patients under close supervision. Some animal studies show that DCA can itself cause liver cancer. These studies used doses which are much higher than what would be prescribed for cancer treatment. Also, no human study has every demonstrated liver tumor formation as a result of DCA therapy. We have observed that DCA can have 2 main categories of side effects.
Neurological:
Nerve injury in the hands and feet (“peripheral neuropathy”). Neuropathy typically takes several weeks to months to develop, and is reversible if it is caught early. In the existing literature, neuropathy from DCA has always been shown to be reversible. We use vitamin B1 (benfotiamine or thiamine), acetyl L-carnitine and R alpha lipoic acid to prevent and reduce the severity of peripheral neuropathy. These medicines can be given orally or intravenously depending on the degree of neuropathy. Published data clearly demonstrates all of these medicines can help chemo and/or diabetic neuropathy, and our own extensive experience confirms that these supplements are effective for DCA neuropathy as well.
Sedation, confusion, hallucinations, memory problems, mood changes, hand tremors. These side effects are temporary and appear to be dose-dependent and age-dependent. This finding is consistent with existing human research on DCA that we have reviewed. We use benfotiamine (a type of vitamin B1), acetyl Lcarnitine and R alpha lipoic acid to prevent/reduce these side effects. If you are a CTI member, you will receive our latest dosing guidelines for these supplements. Due to potential interference with other ongoing treatments like radiation or chemotherapy, certain supplements may not be recommended, or may have to be skipped during part of the radiation or chemo treatment.
Gastrointestinal:
Heartburn, nausea, vomiting, indigestion. These side effects may occur with DCA, and we suggest a “proton pump inhibitor” antacid medication (e.g. pantoprazole) as needed to treat them.
Other Side Effects:
Some patients experience pain at the sites of their tumor(s) within the first few days of starting DCA. This may be an indicator of the effectiveness of DCA. About 1-2% of patients have mild liver toxicity (increase in liver enzymes noted without symptoms). We have not observed any drop in blood cell counts due to bone marrow toxicity, or any other significant organ toxicity. Note that leukemia patients may see a drop in their high white blood cell count, indicating destruction of the cancerous white cells.
Most side effects reported so far have been mild or moderate. Patients experiencing moderate side effects are usually taken off DCA as a precaution. Most side effects typically resolve within days after stopping DCA. Neuropathy can take weeks or months to resolve, and is reversible.
Neurological:
Nerve injury in the hands and feet (“peripheral neuropathy”). Neuropathy typically takes several weeks to months to develop, and is reversible if it is caught early. In the existing literature, neuropathy from DCA has always been shown to be reversible. We use vitamin B1 (benfotiamine or thiamine), acetyl L-carnitine and R alpha lipoic acid to prevent and reduce the severity of peripheral neuropathy. These medicines can be given orally or intravenously depending on the degree of neuropathy. Published data clearly demonstrates all of these medicines can help chemo and/or diabetic neuropathy, and our own extensive experience confirms that these supplements are effective for DCA neuropathy as well.
Sedation, confusion, hallucinations, memory problems, mood changes, hand tremors. These side effects are temporary and appear to be dose-dependent and age-dependent. This finding is consistent with existing human research on DCA that we have reviewed. We use benfotiamine (a type of vitamin B1), acetyl Lcarnitine and R alpha lipoic acid to prevent/reduce these side effects. If you are a CTI member, you will receive our latest dosing guidelines for these supplements. Due to potential interference with other ongoing treatments like radiation or chemotherapy, certain supplements may not be recommended, or may have to be skipped during part of the radiation or chemo treatment.
Gastrointestinal:
Heartburn, nausea, vomiting, indigestion. These side effects may occur with DCA, and we suggest a “proton pump inhibitor” antacid medication (e.g. pantoprazole) as needed to treat them.
Other Side Effects:
Some patients experience pain at the sites of their tumor(s) within the first few days of starting DCA. This may be an indicator of the effectiveness of DCA. About 1-2% of patients have mild liver toxicity (increase in liver enzymes noted without symptoms). We have not observed any drop in blood cell counts due to bone marrow toxicity, or any other significant organ toxicity. Note that leukemia patients may see a drop in their high white blood cell count, indicating destruction of the cancerous white cells.
Most side effects reported so far have been mild or moderate. Patients experiencing moderate side effects are usually taken off DCA as a precaution. Most side effects typically resolve within days after stopping DCA. Neuropathy can take weeks or months to resolve, and is reversible.
WHAT IS TLS (Tumour Lysis Syndrome)?
This is a condition in which a large number of tumor cells are rapidly killed, causing a sudden release of the contents of the dead cells into the bloodstream. It can result in abnormal heart rhythms, salt imbalance in the blood and kidney failure. TLS occurs most commonly in patients with a large mass of tumor cells in the body who receive chemotherapy, especially with lymphomas or acute leukemia. In theory, DCA should not cause TLS because it kills cancer cell naturally by apoptosis. We have not had a single noted of TLS with our members treated with DCA alone. Since DCA can enhance the effect of chemotherapy in certain cases, it may be more likely to occur if DCA is combined with chemotherapy (especially without medical supervision). We have noticed that intravenous DCA can work more quickly than oral DCA in some cases, so there is theoretically more risk of TLS if I.V. DCA is combined with other therapies such as chemo. We have observed one case of TLS when I.V. DCA was combined with cannabis oil.
DCA and Renal Failure?
DCA is not toxic to the kidneys. DCA can safely be used in patients with moderately severe renal failure based on our experience
DCA and Heart Failure
DCA is safe to use in patients with heart failure. DCA improves the pumping efficiency of the heart without increasing oxygen demand. As a result, it can improve heart failure or angina.
DCA and Heart Rhythm Disturbance?
DCA shortens the QT interval which is an electrical measurement of the heart determined by ECG. Combination with drugs that prolong the QT interval is therefore unlikely to cause abnormal heart rhythms. Rather, DCA may prevent abnormal heart rhythms.
DCA and Liver Failure / Jaundice
DCA is metabolized by the liver, so dose adjustment is needed for patients with liver failure. Also a difference cycles may be needed. Intravenous DCA is likely safer than oral DCA for patients in liver failure.
DCA and Diabetes?
Diabetics may notice a slight improvement in blood glucose control. Diabetes medications generally do not have to be changed, but blood glucose monitoring will determine if adjustment is required.
DCA-Drug Interactions?
We have observed that drugs that can cause confusion or hallucinations have a potential to interact with DCA!
This may include cannabinoids, benzodiazepines and other CNS drugs, especially if they are already causing some neurological side effects. Patients on stable doses of opiate pain medications or benzodiazepines who are not having side effects from these drugs rarely have such issues.
This may include cannabinoids, benzodiazepines and other CNS drugs, especially if they are already causing some neurological side effects. Patients on stable doses of opiate pain medications or benzodiazepines who are not having side effects from these drugs rarely have such issues.
DCA and Caffeine?
We have received a large number of inquiries about caffeine following some anecdotal reports of enhanced DCA effect with excessive tea/caffeine intake. After conducting a limited review of DCA members, we have noted that a few members with high tea/caffeine consumption (> 10 cups per day) have shown no response to DCA. Also many patients who have shown an excellent response to DCA do not take tea/coffee or caffeine or take it in minimal amounts.
There are a number of potential harmful effects of consuming high doses of caffeine including increased likelihood of seizures in brain tumour patients, abnormal heart rhythms, anxiety, and insomnia. Even though there is new data to show that intravenous high dose caffeine can enhance chemotherapy, the potential for caffeine to enhance DCA therapy is unverified. We are presently recommending against the use of high dose caffeine, unless it is done with medical supervision. Patients should use moderation with consumption of caffeinated drinks and check with their own doctor, naturopath or dietician for specific advice.
There are a number of potential harmful effects of consuming high doses of caffeine including increased likelihood of seizures in brain tumour patients, abnormal heart rhythms, anxiety, and insomnia. Even though there is new data to show that intravenous high dose caffeine can enhance chemotherapy, the potential for caffeine to enhance DCA therapy is unverified. We are presently recommending against the use of high dose caffeine, unless it is done with medical supervision. Patients should use moderation with consumption of caffeinated drinks and check with their own doctor, naturopath or dietician for specific advice.
DCA and Chemotherapy?
We have already had some exciting results showing that DCA can, in some cases, dramatically enhance the cancer-killing effects of chemo, rarely to the point of cure (estimated 0.5% chance of cure).
Please note. There is however a possibility that DCA can interfere with chemo. This is similar to single agent chemo being better than combination chemo for some patients. If you are not able to have the Chemo Fit test, a treatment plan can be developed to safely combine DCA with most chemotherapy drugs with minimal risk of interference (depending on the chemotherapy schedule).
Please note. There is however a possibility that DCA can interfere with chemo. This is similar to single agent chemo being better than combination chemo for some patients. If you are not able to have the Chemo Fit test, a treatment plan can be developed to safely combine DCA with most chemotherapy drugs with minimal risk of interference (depending on the chemotherapy schedule).
Do I Qualify for DCA Treatment?
Patients with a documented diagnosis of cancer (any type) under the following categories qualify for treatment:
- A. failed conventional, scientifically proven treatments
- B. told by their doctor that there is no safe or effective treatment for their cancer
- C. waiting to start conventional treatment, and would like to do something in the interim
- D. treated for cancer, and would like to prevent recurrence (where no proven recurrence prevention is available)
- E. receiving therapy which has a poor chance of success and would like to strengthen their treatment
- F. reviewed conventional therapies with the oncologist (or other specialist) and declined them voluntarily after fully understanding the risks and benefits
How is DCA administered?
We presently only offer oral DCA through an affiliate, although there are additional formulations: cream, oral liquid, intravenous. Oral DCA can be taken at home, DCA I.V. can only be administered at a Medical office or at the office of a naturopathic doctor who is certified to administer I.V. medications.
What is the duration of treatment?
In order to determine if DCA is effective in treating your cancer, we recommend at least 6 to 8 weeks of treatment. For slow growing cancers, longer treatment is needed, perhaps 3 – 6 months. If your cancer responds to DCA, therapy may continue indefinitely. If you experience significant side effects, treatment will be stopped and may be restarted later.
