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).

• Guidelines for Using Complementary and Alternative Methods

• How to Know What Is Safe: Choosing and Using Dietary Supplements

• The ACS Operational Statement on Complementary and Alternative Methods of Cancer Management

• Complementary and Alternative Methods for Cancer Management

• Placebo Effect

• Learning About New Ways to Treat Cancer

• Learning About New Ways to Prevent Cancer

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