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Other common
name(s): Poly MVA, Polydox, lipoic acid-palladium complex
(LAPd), palladium lipoic complex, synthetic DNA reductase
Scientific/medical
name(s): none
Description
Poly-MVA is a liquid dietary supplement that contains various
minerals, B complex vitamins, palladium, and amino acids and lipoic
acid (see Lipoic Acid,
and B Vitamins).
The "MVA" stands for minerals, vitamins, and amino acids.
Overview
Poly-MVA has been promoted as a non-toxic alternative to
chemotherapy. Some also promote it to be used alongside mainstream
cancer treatment. Available scientific evidence does not support claims
that Poly-MVA is effective in preventing or treating cancer.
How is it promoted for use?
The main ingredient of Poly-MVA is said to be the lipoic
acid-palladium complex. According to the inventor of Poly-MVA, this
complex can alter the electrical charge of DNA molecules and other
parts of cells. This activity is said to help repair damaged DNA and
cause cancer cells to self-destruct, a process called apoptosis.
Proponents have also claimed palladium allows lipoic acid, an
antioxidant, to reach cells in the body it could not otherwise reach.
The other components of Poly-MVA are said to complement these actions
and to help restore nutrients needed for energy.
Poly-MVA has been promoted as a "metallo-vitamin." It is
recommended by some practitioners as a way to prevent or treat cancer.
Supporters of Poly-MVA have claimed that it is effective against
several types of tumors and that it boosts the immune system, reduces
pain, and helps people regain energy and appetite. It has been
suggested that Poly-MVA may improve quality of life, especially in
those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Some even claim it
may lead to longer survival.
Poly-MVA has also been reported to be useful in other
conditions, including asthma, psoriasis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and
AIDS.
What does it involve?
Poly-MVA is a reddish-brown liquid that is taken by mouth. No
studies have been done to determine safe or effective doses, although
the manufacturer recommends doses ranging from ½ teaspoon to
8 teaspoons a day. Poly-MVA is used at some health clinics in the
United States and Mexico, and it can be bought on the Internet.
What is the history behind it?
Poly-MVA was created by Merrill Garnett, DDS, a former dentist
with some graduate training in biochemistry. He has conducted research
in "electrogenetics" since the late 1950s at different laboratories on
Long Island, New York. He is the founder and director of the Garnett
McKeen Laboratory, which continues to study Poly-MVA and similar
compounds.
According to the manufacturer, Poly-MVA has been available in
the United States since 1992. In 1995, Garnett patented "palladium
complexes and methods for using same in the treatment of tumors and
psoriasis." Poly-MVA remains a popular supplement, despite a lack of
proof of effectiveness.
What is the evidence?
Available scientific evidence does not support claims that
Poly-MVA is effective in preventing or treating cancer. The makers of
Poly-MVA claim it has a history of "over forty years of laboratory
research and testing and fifteen years of clinical use." However,
reports of Poly-MVA's effectiveness are anecdotal or small studies that
have not been confirmed or published in scientific journals.
No studies of Poly-MVA in humans have been published in
peer-reviewed medical journals. Thus far, the only study published in a
peer-reviewed journal was an animal study using gerbils, which explored
the possible effects of Poly-MVA in protecting nerve cells from lack of
oxygen.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
This product is sold as a
dietary supplement in the United States. Unlike drugs (which must be
tested before being allowed to be sold), the companies that make
supplements are not required to prove to the Food and Drug
Administration that their supplements are safe or effective, as long as
they don't 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). Actual
amounts per dose may vary between brands or even between different
batches of the same brand.
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.
The potential risks and side effects of Poly-MVA are not
known, as no results from human studies have been reported. Palladium
compounds have the potential to cause allergic reactions in some
people. Because lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant, Poly-MVA may
make radiation therapy or chemotherapy less effective. While this
concern is based largely on theories of how cancer treatments work, it
is supported by some recent studies. For this reason, people being
treated for cancer should speak with their doctors before taking this
supplement.
Relying on this type of treatment alone and avoiding or
delaying conventional medical care for cancer, may 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
Antonawich FJ, Fiore SM, Welicky LM. Regulation of ischemic
cell death by the lipoic acid-palladium complex, Poly MVA, in gerbils. Exp Neurol.
2004;189:10-15.
Lawenda BD, Kelly KM, Ladas EJ, Sagar SM, Vickers A, Blumberg
JB. Should supplemental antioxidant administration be avoided during
chemotherapy and radiation therapy? J Natl Cancer Inst.
2008;100:773-783.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. About herbs: Polydox.
2007. Accessed at: http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/69336.cfm on June11,
2008.
Moss RW. A friendly skeptic looks at PolyMVA. CancerDecisions Newsletter.
Oct 18 & 24, 2003. Accessed at:
http://www.cancerdecisions.com/101803.html and
www.cancerdecisions.com/102403.html on June11, 2008.
Moss RW. A friendly skeptic looks at PolyMVA part II. CancerDecisions Newsletter.
Oct 24, 2003. The Moss Reports, Cancer Decisions Newsletter Web site.
http://www.cancerdecisions.com/102403.html. Accessed June 11, 2008.
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
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