Overview
Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) is a natural liquid substance found in trees. It is a by-product of making papers. On the other hand, it has a unique use in the medical field. Scientists found that its consistency made it an ideal solvent for mixing certain drugs into solution. Today, DMSO found its way into treating several diseases like interstitial cystitis. But generally, the drug is generic, meaning – it cannot be patented. Suffice to say, it has poor profit potential. As a result, drug companies have little to no interest in researching its potency in treating cancers.
This blog post will shed a better insight into Dimethyl Sulfoxide’s efficacy in treating cancer. We’ll provide facts from scientific research if DMSO is unproven or disproven in cancer treatment. So, without further ado, let’s begin with researched data about the drug.
DMSO Treatment Research
Research about Dimethyl Sulfoxide’s efficacy in treating diseases circulated sometime in the 1960s. Records show that DMSO is also an effective medication for inflammation, pain, and brain-swelling due to injury. Significantly, it effectively reduces swelling by removing water from cells – reducing water leakage from blood vessels in tumors. What’s more, further studies confirmed that no sudden worsening of symptoms occurred.
DMSO is more effective than steroid medication such as dexamethasone. In addition, It does not have any of the severe side effects of steroids like muscle loss, immune suppression, and stomach ulceration. Dimethyl Sulfoxide also appears to reduce the risk of seizures, as long as the dosing is appropriate.
When used in treating cancer, it promotes differentiation, transforming primitive, rapidly growing cells into more normal-behaving cells that do not proliferate. DMSO also stimulates a tumor suppressor protein called HLJ1, which reduces tumor cell invasion and metastases.
Studies that report DMSO plays multiple roles in cellular functions
- Inflammation
- Lipid metabolism
- Apoptosis
- Cell cycle
- Protein expression
- Differentiation
- Molecule binding
- Enzyme activity
- Reactive oxygen species scavenging
- Cell polarization
- Radioprotection
- Autophagy
The DMSO Cancer Treatment
As a treatment for cancer, DMSO prevents rapidly growing cells back to their regular form. It also stimulates the tumor-suppressing protein called HLJ1, which reduces the growth of the adjacent cancer tumor cells. To put it simply, Dimethyl Sulfoxide arrests the development of cancer.
Chemotherapy extravasations can sometimes cause problems during cancer treatment. Chemotherapy medicine may leak from the affected part, trapping it in the surrounding tissues. With the help of DMSO, the toxicity rate reduces to a significant degree. Research also shows that topical application successfully reduces pain, inflammation, and swelling. The chemical properties of DMSO as a solvent make it readily absorbed by the skin. It increases the body’s absorption of other medications.
Studies conducted by Dr. Hoang and his colleagues confirmed that DMSO prevented the advancement of two types of cancer: Prostate cancer and Gallbladder cancer. Each study expounded a significant improvement in clinical symptoms, blood tests, and quality of life. Both cases studies saw the benefits of the therapy persisting long after DMSO administration.
What is DMSO Used For? (Cancer Types that DMSO Can Treat)
According to laboratory reports, here’s a list of the types of cancers that DMSO can treat.
- Melanoma
- Colon cancer
- Leukemia
- Lung cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Lymphoma
- Prostate cancer
- Gallbladder/ Bile duct cancer
DMSO Administration
Currently, there are only two published human data regarding the efficiency of DMSO, and they are both via IV.
Dimethyl Sulfoxide Treatment Duration
The recommended duration is at least 6 to 8 weeks to determine the efficacy of DMSO in treating cancer. However, some cancer types develop longer; thus, the treatment needs extended duration. DMSO therapy may change depending on your cancer’s response to the treatment. Your oncologist may combine it with other oral medications with a similar effect.
How Effective is DMSO?
Researchers concluded that intravenous infusion of DMSO and sulfur dioxide carbonate is an effective alternative for refractory pain in cancer patients without an Integrative Cancer Treatment option. It also helps in alleviating pain induced by chemotherapy extravasations. Pain and inflammation become manageable with DMSO treatment.
DMSO Side Effects
Records show that DMSO causes neural damage to animals. In humans, it leaves a long-lasting garlic taste in your mouth, especially with prolonged treatment. Common side-effects include
- Sedation
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Urine discoloration and agitation
Doctors issued a warning about applying topical DMSO to your skin. It may leave your skin feeling:
- Hot
- Scaly
- Itchy
Since DMSO increases the absorption of other chemicals into your skin, it may also pick up toxic agents quickly. In addition, it may negatively interact with other topical medications.
Restrictions
You can safely use DMSO as prescribed by your doctor. However, the industrial-grade version is not for personal use. It would be best if you took special precautions when:
You are pregnant. Take DMSO only as advised by your doctor when you are expecting a baby or if you’re breastfeeding. This precaution requires more research, but try to use this drug sparingly to be on the safe side.
Have diabetes. DMSO may affect how insulin works in your body. Talk to your doctor about possible dosing readjustments.
Blood disorders. Since the only way of administering DMSO is via IV, it may cause red blood cells to break down. In some cases, it might worsen the blood disorder of the patient.
Liver and Kidney problems. Your liver and kidneys may develop adverse reactions to DMSO. That’s why you need your doctor’s supervision.
Bottom Line
Based on the clinical records and researched facts, DMSO shows high potential in treating a wide variety of cancers. The evidence available so far provides a substantial amount of relevancy regarding DMSO as a treatment for cancer. Therefore, we conclude that the verdict against DMSO as an unproven treatment for cancer is false, although more clinical research needs to be done to confirm its benefits and make it available for wide applications.
We hope that we’ve provided you with sufficient information about the subject. Information about cancer treatment is vital to all the people involved. That’s why we’re here to enlighten you with facts and evidence.
Fight Cancer with People who Care
Omega Precision Oncology is one of the most sought-after integrative cancer treatment centers in Houston. Our doctors and nurses are compassionate and reliable when dealing with cancer management. We aim to provide every patient with a personalized care program to optimize the efficiency of the treatment results.
Dr. Paul Zhang at the Institute of Integrative BioOncology in Houston provides evidence-based treatments for a wide range of cancers. Call today for more information. Dial 7137971900.
