DCA – New Cheap Cancer Treatment?

Posted by Simon Davies Mar 27, 2007

Researchers from the University of Alberta in Canada have recently published initial finding relating to a potential new cancer treatment.

They have shown that a chemical previously used to treat rare metabolic illnesses also causes regression in several cancers including lung, breast and brain tumours. The chemical is called dichloroacetate (DCA) and is not patented or owned by any pharmaceutical company so it would be inexpensive to use.

DCA works by activating an important enzyme in mitochondria in cells. Mitochondria produce energy in cells and are known to malfunction in cancerous cells. Dr. Evangelos Michelakis, the cardiologist at the University of Alberta who is leading the research suggests that DCA is actually able to reactivate mitochondrial function in cancer-damaged cells, without affecting surrounding healthy cells.

Dr Michelakis and his colleagues are keen to continue clinical trials of the drug, but with no potential profit, private sponsors are limited. They are appealing to the public for donations to continue research into this potential stride forward in the fight against cancer (see their website here). To see a report on CTV click here.

Another interesting development is that people with cancer who are desperate to find a way to prolong their lives are actually taking DCA before clinical trials have been conducted. The Canadian Cancer Society has warned people not to do this, but a website has been set up on which advice is given and testimonials are posted of patients who are actually taking the drug. An interesting example of the way the internet contributes to the rapid dispersal of information!