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Other common
name(s): Simoncini Cancer Therapy, baking soda
Scientific/medical
name(s): NaHC03
Description
Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, is promoted by
some alternative practitioners as cancer treatment. This treatment is
based on the theory that cancer is caused by a form of yeast infection
and that sodium bicarbonate can kill the yeast. This claim is not
supported by science or clinical evidence and is contrary to
widely-accepted basic facts of oncology and microbiology.
Sodium bicarbonate is used as a conventional treatment for
disorders in which the blood is too acidic. It is also used as an
over-the-counter remedy for heartburn.
Overview
Available scientific evidence does not support claims that
cancer is caused by infection with a type of yeast known as Candida
albicans. Available scientific evidence also does not support the idea
that sodium bicarbonate works as a treatment for any form of cancer or
that it cures yeast or fungal infections.There is substantial evidence,
however, that these claims are false. Although sodium bicarbonate is
safe when used in proper doses and as directed as a conventional
treatment, high doses can cause serious problems or even death.
How is it promoted for use?
Sodium bicarbonate is promoted by some alternative
practitioners, especially Dr. Tullio Simoncini, as a cure for all types
of cancer. This claim is made on several Web sites, in videos of Dr.
Simoncini posted on the Internet, and in a book written by Dr.
Simoncini.
What does it involve?
Sodium bicarbonate is given by some alternative practitioners
by mouth (orally) or into a vein (intravenously). It is also given
intra-arterially (into an artery supplying blood to the tumor) and is
sometimes given as a solution directly through the trachea (windpipe)
into the lungs to treat lung cancer.
What is the history behind it?
The main proponent of sodium bicarbonate as an alternative
cancer treatment is Tullio Simoncini, MD. Information on the Internet
describes how Dr. Simoncini concluded that cancer is caused by Candida
albicans and can be cured with baking soda. The sequence of events and
timeline are not described in detail.
According to the Cancer Treatment Watch Web site, "[Dr.
Simoncini] has been using unsubstantiated cancer treatments for 15
years… in 2003, his [Italian] license to practice medicine
was withdrawn, and in 2006 he was convicted by an Italian judge for
wrongful death and swindling… This has not stopped him from
continuing to provide his controversial treatments, not only in Italy,
but apparently also in foreign countries, such as the Netherlands."
(Koene, Jitta. 2008)
What is the evidence?
No peer-reviewed articles in medical journals were found
supporting the theory that cancer is caused by a fungus infection or a
yeast infection. Available peer-reviewed medical journals do not
support claims that sodium bicarbonate works as a cancer treatment.
Scientists require certain kinds of evidence to support claims
that a kind of germ causes a certain disease. The first requirement is
that the germ should be present in all cases of the disease. Simoncini
claims that all tumors contain fungi. But these fungi have not been
found in tumors when biopsies are examined by methods capable of
revealing fungi in infected tissue. Another requirement is that
infecting laboratory animals with the germ should cause the disease.
Infections can develop in animals that are exposed to Candida albicans,
but there are no credible reports that this exposure or infection
causes cancer. Finally, when researchers remove diseased tissue from
infected laboratory animals, they should be able to recover the germs
and grow them in laboratory dishes. There are no reports in scientific
journals that this has been observed for Candida albicans and cancer of
experimental animals.
A number of Web sites propose various reasons people believe
there is a connection between fungus and cancer (for example, that
Candida albicans can cause serious infections, and that cancer is a
serious disease). However, none of these Web sites show scientific
evidence supported by credible experiments or clinical trials.
Fungal infection deep in the body is a serious health problem
that can be fatal. Although a number of antifungal drugs are available
to treat these infections, there is no evidence that sodium bicarbonate
can. There is no evidence that most people with cancer have any deep
tissue yeast or fungal infections. People whose immune systems are
weakened by high doses of chemotherapy can sometimes contract these
kinds of infections. While antifungal drugs can often cure the
infection, there is no evidence that antifungal treatment causes the
patients' tumors to shrink. If this had happened, the doctors caring
for these patients would have been likely to report it in medical
journals.
Some people with cancer have other health conditions for which
sodium bicarbonate is used. But, again, there is no evidence that
sodium bicarbonate has caused their tumors to shrink. Chewable sodium
bicarbonate tablets or powder are a common over-the-counter treatment
that is used to neutralize stomach acid that causes heartburn.
Intravenous sodium bicarbonate is used as a conventional treatment to
reduce acidity of blood in serious conditions like shock, severe
dehydration, and uncontrolled kidney failure or diabetes.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
This substance
may not have been thoroughly tested to find out how it interacts with
medicines, foods, herbs, or 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 general, oral and intravenous treatment with sodium
bicarbonate that is given for the right reasons and in proper doses is
considered safe. Concern has been raised that the same substance can be
dangerous in other medical situations. The Cancer Treatment Watch Web
site quotes the Netherlands Health Inspectorate:
… there are no
scientific data that justify the administration of sodium bicarbonate
to patients with cancer… the administration of sodium
bicarbonate even has risks for patients with high blood pressure,
patients with diseases of lungs, heart, or kidneys and for patients
with cancer. This is certainly the case if a number of specific blood
levels are not monitored daily before, during and after the treatment.
The balance of the body can become completely disturbed when large
amounts are administered. In severely ill patients, this may lead to
organ damage. In sick people, there is in fact irresponsible health
care if this product is administered without monitoring. (2008)
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
Cancer therapy Web site. http://www.curenaturalicancro.com/.
Accessed October 16, 2008.
A fungus among us in oncology? Respectful insolence Web site.
http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2008/08/a_fungus_among_us_in_oncology.php.
Posted August 7, 2008. Accessed October 16, 2008.
Koch's postulates. Wikipedia Web site.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henle_Koch_postulates. Accessed October
16, 2008.
Koene R, Jitta SJ. Be wary of Simoncini cancer therapy. Cancer
Treatment Watch Web site.
http://www.cancertreatmentwatch.org/reports/simoncini.shtml. Posted
August 7, 2008. Accessed October 16, 2008.
Sodium bicarbonate. Drugs Web site.
http://www.drugs.com/mtm/sodium-bicarbonate.html Revised July 13, 2005.
Accessed October 16, 2008.
Sodium bicarbonate. RxList Web site.
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/sodbic_ids.htm. Accessed October 16,
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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