Revolutionizing Cancer Care: High Dose IV Vitamin C and Personalized Survivorship
By Dr. Michelle Niesley, ND, MS, FABNO
As a naturopathic doctor who specializes in oncology, my passion is to bridge the gap between innovative integrative therapies and conventional cancer care. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative impact of high-dose IV Vitamin C on patients navigating their cancer journeys. Yet, I know this therapy has faced skepticism and questions. Is it safe? How does it work? Can it truly complement or maybe enhance conventional treatments like chemotherapy?
I want to share what I’ve learned—not just through research, but through the incredible stories of resilience and healing I’ve witnessed during my time in practice.
Why High-Dose IV Vitamin C?
One of the most frequent questions I’m asked is whether high-dose IV Vitamin C is safe. Recently, my colleagues and I completed a study with 16 healthy participants to explore the effects of this therapy on basic blood chemistry. While we observed temporary changes in kidney enzyme levels for about 24 hours after infusion, which then normalized within 48 hours. These findings are invaluable for both physicians and patients, especially in oncology, where lab results are carefully monitored by oncologists to determine if the patient’s body is healthy enough to receive treatment.
It’s reassuring to know—and share with patients—that these shifts may be expected, and not indicative of harm. Instead, IV Vitamin C offers significant benefits:
- Symptom Management
Many patients report less fatigue, improved energy, and even reduced cancer-related pain when receiving IV Vitamin C. I’ve had patients tell me their pain worsens when they miss their infusions, illustrating its role in symptom relief. - Selective Pro-Oxidant Effects
At high doses, Vitamin C becomes a pro-oxidant, targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. This occurs because cancer cells absorb Vitamin C in a way that produces hydrogen peroxide—a compound that disrupts their growth. - Synergy with Conventional Therapies
Data shows that high-dose Vitamin C can enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy by sensitizing cancer cells to treatment. If concerns arise about timing, we can space infusions away from chemotherapy sessions, ensuring no interference.
Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions
I understand that therapies like IV Vitamin C often face skepticism, particularly because they don’t follow the traditional path of drug approval. Integrative medicine often works differently—we observe what patients are using successfully, then study it to understand its potential and limitations.
What I’ve found is that once patients experience the benefits for themselves, their questions melt away. From reduced side-effects to improved quality of life, the results speak volumes.
Beyond the Treatment: The Riordan Approach
At Riordan Clinic, we pride ourselves on looking beneath the surface. In conventional oncology, patients with similar diagnoses are often treated the same way, following standardized algorithms. But in reality, no two patients are alike.
For example, two patients with the same type and stage of breast cancer, will often receive identical conventional treatment plans. Yet, their integrative care looks completely different. Maybe one has mold toxicity, while the other has heavy metal exposure. By addressing these underlying factors, we can tailor their care to their unique needs, enhancing their overall outcomes.
This individualized approach is what makes integrative medicine so powerful. We’re not just treating cancer—we’re treating the person behind the diagnosis.
Survivorship: A Guided Journey
The journey doesn’t end when active treatment does. Survivorship is a critical phase, yet many patients feel adrift once their oncologist tells them to “come back in three months.” That’s where we have a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between the end of active treatment and the next appointment with their oncologist. The survivorship program at Riordan Clinic is being designed to provide ongoing support and guidance.
This includes:
- Weekly Touchpoints: Educational content and virtual Q&A sessions to keep patients engaged and informed.
- Comprehensive Testing: Lab assessments to address factors like inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and toxic exposures.
- Personalized Plans: Diet, lifestyle, and IV therapy recommendations tailored to each patient’s needs.
Navigating cancer survivorship can be overwhelming, but with the right support, patients can feel empowered and confident in their next steps.
The Future of Integrative Cancer Care
As we move into 2025, I’m excited about the advancements we’re making at Riordan Clinic. We’re refining our protocols, collecting more patient data, and developing innovative ways to extend the benefits of therapies like IV Vitamin C.
Our commitment to co-learning—a concept championed by Dr. Hugh Riordan—remains at the heart of everything we do. By working together with patients, we’re not just treating symptoms; we’re uncovering the root causes of illness and empowering individuals to take control of their health.
A Final Thought
Integrative medicine is about more than just adding therapies to a treatment plan—it’s about reimagining what care can look like. It’s about asking the deeper questions, exploring the nuances of each patient’s health, and using innovative approaches to promote healing.
High-dose IV Vitamin C and our personalized survivorship care are just two examples of how we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in cancer care.
If you’re curious about how integrative therapies can complement your journey, I encourage you to reach out. Together, we can explore the path to better health, one step at a time.
