|
Other common
name(s): high pH therapy
Scientific/medical
name(s): CsCl
Description
Cesium chloride is the salt form of the element cesium. Cesium
is a rare, naturally occurring element of alkali metal similar in
chemical structure to lithium, sodium, and potassium. Radioactive
cesium is used in some types of radiation therapy.
Overview
Radioactive cesium (cesium-137) is used in certain types of
radiation therapy for cancer patients. However, available scientific
evidence does not support claims that nonradioactive cesium chloride
supplements have any effect on tumors. A few people have had
life-threatening problems with heart rhythm, seizures, loss of
consciousness, and electrolyte (blood chemistry) imbalances after
taking cesium chloride.
How is it promoted for use?
Cesium can be absorbed by all cells, probably because of its
similarity in chemical structure to potassium. Proponents claim the
intracellular pH of tumor cells is usually very low, or acidic,
compared to normal cells, and that cesium chloride supplements raise
the pH level of tumor cells to a normal level, which may slow the
cancer's growth. Since proponents claim cesium chloride works by
raising the pH of the tumor cells, its use in therapy has been called
"high pH therapy."
What does it involve?
Cesium chloride supplements are available in pill form.
Proponents suggest a dosage of 1 to 6 grams per day, sometimes
dissolved in juice with other vitamins and minerals. Some practitioners
give cesium chloride intravenously.
What is the history behind it?
Interest in cesium therapy began when scientists observed that
certain regions of the world with low rates of certain types of cancer
had a high concentration of alkali metals in the soil. As early as the
1920s, some researchers suggested cesium might be effective as an
antitumor agent. However, further research starting in the 1930s
suggested cesium had no effect on cancer cell growth. The use of cesium
chloride for high pH therapy was first advanced in the 1980s.
What is the evidence?
Available scientific evidence does not support the claim that
the intracellular pH of a cancer cell is any different than that of a
normal cell or that malignant cells are more susceptible to toxic
effects of high pH. Thus, the underlying principle behind high pH
therapy remains unproven. Although it was observed that certain regions
with low rates of cancer had a high concentration of alkali metals in
the soil, it has never been shown that differences in other risk
factors or protective factors were not involved, or that cesium
provides any benefit in the prevention or treatment of cancer.
Studies conducted in several experimental tumor models in the
1980s found that the use of cesium or cesium chloride led to decreased
tumor growth and fewer deaths in certain mice with cancerous tumors,
such as those with sarcoma or breast cancer. In animal studies, chronic
ingestion of cesium caused serious blood and neuromuscular side effects
and even death. Animal and laboratory studies may show a substance has
toxic effects, but further studies are necessary to determine whether
the results apply to humans. More research is needed to determine the
risks and safety of cesium. The benefit of cesium or cesium chloride
for people with cancer, if any, is unknown.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
This product is sold as a
dietary supplement in the United States. Unlike companies that produce
drugs (which must provide the FDA with results of detailed testing
showing their product is safe and effective before the drug is approved
for sale), the companies that make supplements do not have to show
evidence of safety or health benefits to the FDA before selling their
products. Supplement products without any reliable scientific evidence
of health benefits may still be sold as long as the companies selling
them do not claim the supplements can prevent, treat, or cure any
specific disease. Some such products may not contain the amount of the
herb or substance that is written on the label, and some may include
other substances (contaminants). Though the FDA has written new rules
to improve the quality of manufacturing processes for dietary
supplements and the accurate listing of supplement ingredients, these
rules do not take full effect until 2010. And, the new rules do not
address the safety of supplement ingredients or their effects on health
when proper manufacturing techniques are used.
Most such
supplements have not been tested to find out if they interact with
medicines, foods, or other herbs and supplements. Even though some
reports of interactions and harmful effects may be published, full
studies of interactions and effects are not often available. Because of
these limitations, any information on ill effects and interactions
below should be considered incomplete.
In a case report from 1984, one person described his own
experiences after taking cesium chloride for 36 days. He took 3 grams
of cesium chloride, dissolved in fluid, after his morning and evening
meals, which consisted of an alternative dietary regimen (for example,
restricted to wheat bran and certain grain products during the first 3
weeks of the study). He describes an "initial general feeling of
well-being and heightened sense perception," as well as nausea,
diarrhea, and tingling in his lips, hands, and feet. However, a case
report such as this is very different from a clinical trial involving
many patients and is not helpful in deciding on a safe dose of cesium.
Another person, who may be younger, older, smaller, or less healthy
than this individual, may not do well with this dose.
In fact, several recent case reports have described serious
side effects in people who have cancer and have taken similar doses of
cesium chloride, including life-threatening problems with heart rhythm,
seizures, loss of consciousness, and electrolyte imbalances. The acute
and chronic toxicity of this substance is not fully known or
understood. Consuming large amounts of cesium could result in nausea,
diarrhea, disturbed heart rhythm, loss of consciousness, or even death.
Based on results of animal studies, women who are pregnant or
breast-feeding should avoid taking cesium chloride supplements. Relying
on this type of treatment alone and avoiding or delaying conventional
medical care for cancer may also have serious health consequences.
Additional Resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on
our Web site (www.cancer.org)
or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Cesium chloride. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Web
site. http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69172.cfm. Accessed June 4, 2008.
Dalal AK, Harding JD, Verdino RJ. Acquired long QT syndrome
and monomorphic ventricular tachycardia after alternative treatment
with cesium chloride for brain cancer. Mayo Clin Proc.
2004:79(8);1065-1069.
Erratum in:
Mayo Clin Proc.
2004:79(9);1215
El-Domeiri AA, Messiha FS, Hsia WC. Effect of alkali metal
salts on sarcoma I in A/J mice.
J Surg Oncol. 1981;18:423-429.
Lyon AW. Mayhew WJ. Cesium toxicity: a case of self-treatment
by alternate therapy gone awry. Ther
Drug Monit. 2003;25:114-116.
Messiha FS. Developmental toxicity of cesium in the mouse. Gen Pharmacol.
1994;25:395-400.
Messiha FS, Stocco DM. Effect of cesium and potassium salts on
survival of rats bearing Novikoff hepatoma. Pharmacol Biochem Behav.1984;21
Suppl 1:31-34.
Neulieb R. Effect of oral intake of cesium chloride: a single
case report. Pharmacol
Biochem Behav.1984;21 Suppl 1:15-16.
Pinsky C, Bose R. Pharmacological and toxicological
investigations of cesium. Pharmacol
Biochem Behav.1984;21 Suppl 1:17-23.
Pinter A, Doran P, Newman D. Cesium-induced torsades de
pointes. New Engl J Med.
2002:346;383-384.
Samadani U, Marcotte P. Zero efficacy with cesium chloride
self-treatment for brain cancer. Mayo
Clin Proc. 2004;79:1588.
Sartori HE. Nutrients and cancer: an introduction to cesium
therapy. Pharmacol
Biochem Behav. 1984;21 Suppl 1:7-10.
Note:
This
information may not cover all possible claims, uses, actions,
precautions, side effects or interactions. It is not intended as
medical advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for
consultation with your doctor, who is familiar with your medical
situation.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
|
