Can High-Dose vitamin c boost chemo against pancreatic cancer?

NCT ID NCT02905578

First seen Jul 23, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase II trial tests whether adding high-dose vitamin C (ascorbate) to standard chemotherapy (gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel) can help people with metastatic pancreatic cancer live longer. About 40 participants are randomly assigned to receive either standard chemo alone or chemo plus vitamin C. The study measures overall survival, tumor response, and side effects to see if the combination is more effective.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
high-dose vitamin C (ascorbate) given alongside gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel chemotherapy
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a more effective treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer, a disease with very poor survival.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial, so results may not apply broadly. High-dose vitamin C can cause kidney stones or other side effects when given intravenously.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

    Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States

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