A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON THE ANTICANCER POTENTIAL OF VITAMIN C IN SELECTED MALIGNANCIES
N. Nirmala, G. Swathi, CES College of Pharmacy, Kurnool.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.63712/bpsrj-v2i1p006
ABSTRACT:
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential micronutrient widely recognised for its antioxidant activity and physiological importance. In recent years, renewed scientific interest has focused on its potential role in cancer prevention and therapy. Emerging evidence from molecular, preclinical, and clinical investigations indicates that vitamin C exerts anticancer effects through multiple mechanisms, including redox modulation, epigenetic regulation, immune enhancement, and selective cytotoxicity toward malignant cells. At pharmacological concentrations achievable only through intravenous administration vitamin C functions as a pro-oxidant, generating hydrogen peroxide within the tumour microenvironment and
inducing cancer cell death while sparing normal tissues. Additionally, vitamin C acts as a cofactor for epigenetic enzymes such as TET dioxygenases and histone demethylases, contributing to reactivation of tumour suppressor genes and restoration of genomic stability. Epidemiological studies consistently demonstrate an inverse association between dietary vitamin C intake and the incidence of several cancers, particularly those of the gastrointestinal tract and breast. Clinical trials further suggest that high-dose intravenous vitamin C may enhance treatment efficacy, reduce therapy-associated toxicities, and improve quality of life when used as an adjunct to conventional cancer therapies. Despite promising findings, controversies remain regarding optimal dosing, route of administration, patient selection, and interaction with standard treatments. This review critically synthesises current mechanistic, epidemiological, and clinical evidence on vitamin C in oncology, discusses existing limitations, and highlights future research directions aimed at integrating vitamin C into multimodal cancer management strategies