Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) is a natural liquid material present in trees. In fact is a by-product of papermaking. It has a unique use in the medical field. Itis also a prescription medicine that provides rapidly, temporary relief of pain in patients with headache, arthritis, and skeletal tissue injuries.
DMSO has been in use as an industrial solvent since the mid-1800s. Since about the mid-20th century, researchers have explored its use as an anti-inflammatory agent. Scientists feel that Its consistency is perfect for making it an ideal solvent for mixing certain drugs into a solution.
Today, DMSO is in use to treat several diseases like interstitial cystitis. But generally, the drug is generic, meaning it cannot be patented.
DMSO is a prescription drug and dietary supplement. It is available without a prescription also. In fact, it can be taken by mouth, applied to the skin (used topically), or injected into the veins (used intravenously or IV). DMSO is in use mainly by applying it to the skin.
This article will shed a better insight into Dimethyl Sulfoxides usefulness in treating cancer.
People take DMSO to manage amyloidosis and related symptoms; It is used by mouth, topically, or given intravenously. Amyloidosis is an ailment in which specific proteins are deposited abnormally in organs and tissues.
DMSO is used topically to reduce pain and increase the healing of wounds, burns, and muscle and skeletal injuries. DMSO is also in use to manage headache, inflammation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and severe facial pain called tic douloureux.
It is also used to treat eye problems such as glaucoma, cataracts, and problems with the retina; for foot conditions, including bunions, calluses, and fungus on toenails; and for skin conditions, including skin conditions keloid scars and scleroderma. It is sometimes used to treat skin and tissue damage caused by chemotherapy when it leaks from the IV used to deliver it.
DMSO is used either alone or combined with a drug called idoxuridine to treat pain associated with shingles (herpes zoster infection).
Intravenously, DMSO is in use to reduce abnormally high blood pressure in the brain. It is also given intravenously to treat bladder infections (interstitial cystitis) and chronic inflammatory bladder disease. Food and Drug Administration in the US (FDA) has approved certain DMSO products for placement inside the bladder to treat chronic inflammatory bladder disease symptoms. DMSO is sometimes positioned inside bile ducts with other medications to treat bile ducts.
How does it work?
DMSO assists medicines get through the skin and can affect proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and water in the body.
How effective is DMSO?
DMSO is an FDA-approved product to treat a bladder condition called interstitial cystitis. Washing the bladder with DMSO improves symptoms such as pain associated with interstitial cystitis.
Cancer-related pain. Early research suggests that injecting DMSO intravenously (by IV) and sodium bicarbonate might improve the quality of life in people with cancer-related pain.
DMSO is more effective than steroid medicines like dexamethasone. It also does not have common side effects like muscle loss, immune suppression, and stomach ulceration like steroids. Dimethyl Sulfoxide also helps in reducing the risk of seizures, as long as the dosing is appropriate.
In the cancer treatment, it promotes differentiation, transforming primitive, rapidly growing cells into more normal-behaving cells that do not increase. DMSO also excites a tumor suppressor protein called HLJ1, which reduces tumor cell invasion and metastases.
Chemotherapy eruptions sometimes create 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 established 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 case studies saw the therapy's benefits persisting long after DMSO administration. According to laboratory reports, heres a list of the types of cancers that DMSO can treat.
DMSO 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 cancers response to the treatment. Your oncologist may combine it with other oral medications with a similar effect.
How Effective is DMSO in cancer?
DMSO inhibits human cancer cells and downregulates the expression of cdk2 and cyclin A. 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.
Early clinical trials with DMSO were stopped because of questions about its safety, especially its ability to harm the eye.
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 :
Doctors issued a warning about applying topical DMSO to your skin. It may leave your skin feeling:
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.
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 youre breastfeeding. This precaution requires more research, but try to use this drug sparingly to be on the safe side.
You have diabetes. DMSO may affect the way insulin works in your body. Talk to your doctor about possible dosing readjustments.
You have 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.
You have liver and Kidney problems. Your liver and kidneys may develop adverse reactions to DMSO. Thats why you need your doctors supervision.
As per the clinical records and researched facts, DMSO shows high potential in treating various cancers. The evidence presented so far provides a substantial amount of relevancy regarding DMSO as a treatment for cancer. However, more clinical research needs to confirm its benefits and make it available for broad applications.
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1.Is DMSO approved by health authorities for cancer treatment?
DMSO has been included in biological cancer treatment and several FDA-approved cancer immune therapeutic modalities such as Car-T cell therapy and melanoma drug Mekinist (trametinib DMSO).
2.What are the potential benefits of using DMSO in cancer therapy?
Some research suggests that DMSO may haveanti-cancer properties, potentially inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells. Additionally, DMSO has been shown to enhance the absorption of certain medications and chemotherapy drugs, which can improve their effectiveness in treating cancer.
3.What are the risks or side effects associated with DMSO?
DMSO can cause side effects such as skin irritation, garlic-like odor in breath and body, headaches, and allergic reactions. In a cancer therapy context, the risks depend on the concentration, method of administration, and combination with other drugs.
4.Can DMSO be given IV?
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)may be given intravenously for its free radical scavenging and antiinflammatory effects. DMSO (90% solution) mixed with polyionic solutions and 5% dextrose is best administered slowly at about 8 L/h. The concentration of DMSO must remain below 20% to avoid the risk of intravascular hemolysis.
5.How much DMSO to use?
For nerve pain:50% DMSO solution has been used 4 times daily for up to 3 weeks. For osteoarthritis: 25% DMSO gel has been used 3 times a day, and 45.5% DMSO topical solution has been used 4 times a day. However it is always recommended to consult your oncologists before taking any medication.
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