A Review of Unconventional Cancer Therapies
A Review of Unconventional Cancer Therapies
September 1998; Volume 1: 108
Source: Kaegi E. Unconventional therapies for cancer: Hydrazine Sulfate. 714-X. Can Med Assoc J 1998; 158:1327-1330; 1621-1624.
These analyses are part of a series that reviews the safety and effectiveness of unconventional therapies commonly used by Canadian cancer patients. Three agents-essiac, green tea, and iscador-were reviewed in Alternative Medicine Alert in July 1998.
A multimodal search process was developed to supplement traditional search techniques. Reference lists can be found on the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Initiative's web site (www.breast.cancer.ca); annotated bibliographies are also available. Dr. Kaegi was Director of Medical Affairs and Cancer Control of the National Cancer Institute of Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society from 1993 to 1996.
Hydrazine Sulfate
Hydrazine sulfate has been developed much like conventional chemotherapies. It interferes with gluconeogenesis by inhibiting the enzyme phosphoenol pyruvate carboxykinase and is purported to reduce the severity of cachexia. It is available to U.S. physicians through the Investigational New Drug Program, and to Canadian physicians through the Health Protection Branch of Health Canada.
Hydrazine sulfate is administered orally as 60 mg capsules or by injection as 15 cc vials with food or just before eating, three times daily for 30-45 days. Adverse effects include nausea, pruritus, dizziness, drowsiness, excitation, and peripheral neuropathies in up to 10% of patients. At least one investigator reports that alcohol, barbiturates, tranquilizers, and MAO inhibitors are contraindicated. Related compounds are teratogenic.
Laboratory studies demonstrate a cytotoxic effect on tumor cell lines; animal studies suggest tumor stabilization. Randomized controlled clinical trials in patients with advanced lung and colorectal cancer did not show benefit, but hydrazine sulfate's developer noted that these patients did not abstain from contraindicated medications and drugs. Further information can be obtained at www.ngen.com/hs-cancer.
714-X
Developed in Canada more than 30 years ago, 714-X is a nitrogen-enriched camphor compound, prepared as a sterile normal solution. The therapy is based on the theory that toxic substances are secreted from "somatid" organisms in the blood of cancer patients and cause the loss of nitrogen over time.
The compound is available in Europe, Mexico, and Canada, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is reported to be investigating it. It is injected into the lymph nodes in the groin, often for patients with breast and prostate cancer. It is also administered nasally through a nebulizer for patients with lung and oral cancers. A morning injection daily for 21 days is followed by three days of rest; the cycle is repeated twice; vitamins E, B12, and alcohol are reported by the developers to be contraindicated.
Animal studies have not shown any evidence of any improvement. Testimonials and anecdotes suggesting improved quality of life or survival have been recounted in the lay press. There are no published case series or clinical trials. There are also no reports of ill effect from the injections, other than signs and symptoms of local inflammation. Extracts from the shrub C. camphora, interestingly, do have biologic activity, including enhancement of T-killer cell action and increased susceptibility of cancer cells to radiation.
Conclusion
Hydrazine sulfate has biologic activity but conflicting clinical actions; 714-X is well-tolerated, but there are no published data to support its use.
September 1998; Volume 1: 108Subscribe Now for Access
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