Purpose of This PDQ Summary
Overview
General Information
History
Laboratory/Animal/Preclinical Studies
Human/Clinical Studies
Adverse Effects
Overall Level of Evidence for Cancell/Cantron/Protocel
Appendix
Changes to This Summary (03/20/2008)
More Information

Purpose of This PDQ Summary

This PDQ cancer information summary for health professionals provides comprehensive, peer-reviewed, evidence-based information about the use of Cancell/Cantron/Protocel as a treatment for cancer. This summary is reviewed regularly and updated as necessary by the PDQ Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine Editorial Board ¹.

Information about the following is included in this summary:

• A brief history of Cancell/Cantron/Protocel research.
• Possible side effects of Cancell/Cantron/Protocel use.

This summary is intended as a resource to inform and assist clinicians and other health professionals who care for cancer patients. It does not provide formal guidelines or recommendations for making health care decisions.

Some of the reference citations in the summary are accompanied by a level of evidence designation. These designations are intended to help the readers assess the strength of the evidence supporting the use of specific interventions or treatment strategies. The PDQ Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine Editorial Board uses a formal evidence ranking system ² in developing its level of evidence designations. These designations should not be used as a basis for reimbursement determinations.

This summary is also available in a patient version ³, which is written in less technical language.

Overview

This complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) information summary provides an overview of the use of Cancell/Cantron/Protocel as a treatment for cancer. The discussion in the summary is limited to Cancell/Cantron/Protocel as it was originally conceived; the "vibrationally tuned" distilled water also distributed under the name Cancell will not be discussed.

This summary contains the following key information:

• Cancell/Cantron/Protocel has been promoted by its manufacturers as an effective therapy for cancer and a number of other diseases.



• Cancell/Cantron/Protocel is a mixture of common chemicals, none of which is known to be effective in treating any type of cancer.



• No animal study or human study of Cancell/Cantron/Protocel has been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal to show that it is safe or effective in treating cancer.



• Cancell/Cantron/Protocel is not approved by the FDA for use in the United States as a treatment for a disease. There is a permanent injunction against distribution.

Many of the medical and scientific terms used in the summary are hypertext linked (at first use in each section) to the NCI Dictionary ⁴, which is oriented toward nonexperts. When a linked term is clicked, a definition will appear in a separate window. All linked terms and their corresponding definitions will appear in a glossary in the printable version of the summary.

Reference citations in some PDQ CAM information summaries may include links to external Web sites that are operated by individuals or organizations for the purpose of marketing or advocating the use of specific treatments or products. These reference citations are included for informational purposes only. Their inclusion should not be viewed as an endorsement of the content of the Web sites, or of any treatment or product, by the PDQ Cancer CAM Editorial Board or the National Cancer Institute.

General Information

Cancell/Cantron/Protocel, also known by the names Sheridan’s Formula, Jim’s Juice, JS-114, JS-101, 126-F, and "Cancell-like products ⁵", Cantron and Protocel, is a liquid that has been produced in various forms principally by two manufacturers since the late 1930s. Reviewed in [1-4] It has been promoted as an effective therapy for cancer and a wide range of other diseases including AIDS, collagen disease, lupus, scleroderma, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, adult-onset diabetes mellitus, emphysema, Parkinson disease, hemophilia, hypotension, hypertension, and some forms of epilepsy and mental illness. Reviewed in [1,3]

The exact composition of Cancell/Cantron/Protocel is unknown. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has listed the components as inositol, nitric acid, sodium sulfite, potassium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, and catechol. Reviewed in [1,2] The original manufacturer also identified "crocinic acid" as a component; Reviewed in [1] however, information about the nature and origin of this chemical has not been provided, and it does not appear to be a known compound. An independent analysis of one formulation of Cancell/Cantron/Protocel found 12 different compounds, none of which is known to be effective in treating any form of cancer. Reviewed in [1]

Before researchers can conduct clinical drug research in the United States, they must file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the FDA. Entelev, which is the original name of the mixture, was assigned an IND number (IND #20258) by the FDA in 1982.[5] The IND currently remains inactive because information about the product’s composition and studies showing its therapeutic effectiveness in animals have not been provided to the FDA. Reviewed in [1] In 1989, the FDA was granted a permanent injunction against both principal manufacturers of Cancell/Cantron/Protocel prohibiting them or their agents from distributing the mixture, which was judged an unapproved new drug. Reviewed in [1]

Cancell/Cantron/Protocel has been administered orally, rectally, and topically. Reviewed in [1] Topical skin application is accomplished by dampening a cotton pad with the liquid and taping the moistened pad to the wrist or the ball of the foot after first treating the area with dimethyl sulfoxide. Reviewed in [1] Cancer patients have also been advised to take bromelain, which is a digestive aid, and to avoid high intakes of vitamins C and E while undergoing treatment with Cancell/Cantron/Protocel. Reviewed in [1,3,4]

References

1. Questionable methods of cancer management: Cancell/Entelev. CA Cancer J Clin 43 (1): 57-62, 1993 Jan-Feb.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
2. Cassileth BR, ed.: The Alternative Medicine Handbook: The Complete Reference Guide to Alternative and Complementary Therapies. New York, NY: WW Norton & Company, 1998. 
   
   
3. Cancell Alternative Cancer Treatment. Available online ⁵. Last accessed March 19, 2008. 
   
   
4. Sheridan JV, Sheridan JE: How Entelev/Cancell Works. 1992. Available online ⁶. Last accessed March 19, 2008. 
   
   
5. U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.: Complaint for Permanent Injunction: United States of America, Plaintiff, v. James V. Sheridan and Edmund J. Sopcak, Defendants. 21st February, 1989. 
   
   

History

Cancell/Cantron/Protocel was developed in the 1950s by a chemist who called it Entelev and provided it free of charge to patients with terminal cancer. Reviewed in [1,2] In 1984, production was taken over by a second manufacturer who distributed the mixture free of charge under the trademarked name Cancell to individuals with cancer, AIDS, and other conditions. Reviewed in [1,2]

The two principal manufacturers of Cancell/Cantron/Protocel have offered somewhat different explanations for cancer development, but their theories about how the mixture works are quite similar. According to the original manufacturer, human cells can be normal, cancerous, or primitive.[3] Each of these cellular forms is distinguished by the degree of oxygen utilization in cellular metabolism. Normal cells use aerobic metabolism (glycolysis plus additional biochemical reactions that require oxygen) to produce the energy needed for growth and maintenance. Primitive cells, in contrast, use only glycolysis, which is a much less efficient way to produce energy. It was proposed that normal cells become cancerous when in response to certain damaging conditions such as chronic energy stress (a demand for energy greater than the cell’s ability to produce it), they reach a critical point and begin to rely mainly on glycolysis to produce energy. According to this theory, cancerous cells still maintain many of the features of normal cells and cannot be recognized by the body as foreign. According to the original manufacturer, Cancell/Cantron/Protocel causes cancer cells to become completely primitive, i.e., their residual aerobic metabolism is inhibited and they produce energy solely by glycolysis. The resulting primitive cells are then seen by the body as foreign and destroyed.[3] While the aerobic metabolism of normal cells is also inhibited by Cancell/Cantron/Protocel, they are too far removed from the critical point to become cancerous or completely primitive. Reviewed in [1]

The second manufacturer suggested that a bacterium called Progenitor cryptocides is involved in cancer development. Reviewed in [1] According to this theory, P. cryptocides becomes activated in individuals whose bodies are damaged by an improper diet. Once activated, this bacterium helps cause damaged normal cells to shift their energy production from aerobic metabolism to glycolysis. When the demand for energy exceeds the damaged normal cell’s ability to produce it, the cell mutates and becomes cancerous. Once again, Cancell/Cantron/Protocel forces cancerous cells into a completely primitive state where they self-digest and are replaced by normal cells. The waste material produced by this self-digestion process is discarded by the body in a variety of ways: in urine, stool, vaginal discharge, or perspiration; it may also be vomited or coughed up. Reviewed in [1]

The idea that cancer cells show increased levels of glycolysis compared with normal cells is widely accepted, but this change in metabolism is not believed to be a fundamental cause of cancer development. Reviewed in [4-6] In addition, there is no scientific evidence that Cancell/Cantron/Protocel or any of its components can cause cells to produce energy solely by glycolysis or is able to treat cancer effectively. Reviewed in [1,7] Furthermore, there is no evidence to date to support the existence of the bacterium P. cryptocides.[8]

References

1. Questionable methods of cancer management: Cancell/Entelev. CA Cancer J Clin 43 (1): 57-62, 1993 Jan-Feb.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
2. Cancell Alternative Cancer Treatment. Available online ⁵. Last accessed March 19, 2008. 
   
   
3. Sheridan JV, Sheridan JE: How Entelev/Cancell Works. 1992. Available online ⁶. Last accessed March 19, 2008. 
   
   
4. Mathupala SP, Rempel A, Pedersen PL: Aberrant glycolytic metabolism of cancer cells: a remarkable coordination of genetic, transcriptional, post-translational, and mutational events that lead to a critical role for type II hexokinase. J Bioenerg Biomembr 29 (4): 339-43, 1997.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
5. Dang CV, Semenza GL: Oncogenic alterations of metabolism. Trends Biochem Sci 24 (2): 68-72, 1999.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
6. Dills WL Jr: Nutritional and physiological consequences of tumour glycolysis. Parasitology 107 (Suppl): S177-86, 1993.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
7. Cassileth BR, ed.: The Alternative Medicine Handbook: The Complete Reference Guide to Alternative and Complementary Therapies. New York, NY: WW Norton & Company, 1998. 
   
   
8. Unproven methods of cancer management. Livingston-Wheeler therapy. CA Cancer J Clin 41 (3): A7-12, 1991 May-Jun.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   

Laboratory/Animal/Preclinical Studies

In 1978 and 1980, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) tested Cancell/Cantron/Protocel in animal studies and determined that the mixture lacked substantial antitumor activity. Reviewed in [1]

In 1990 and 1991, samples of Cancell/Cantron/Protocel were evaluated in NCI’s in vitro 60 Human Tumor Cell Line Screen ⁷. The test results are available online ⁸. The graphs and the numerical designations for each of the three cancer cell growth criteria (GI50, concentration required for 50% inhibition of cell growth; TGI, concentration required for total inhibition of cell growth; and LC50, concentration required for 50% cell lethality or death) are somewhat complicated, but a technical explanation is provided in the Appendix ⁹. There is little evidence that any of the constituents of Cancell/Cantron/Protocel would be available in the bloodstream of a patient in significant concentrations after its ingestion. Activity was seen in two-thirds of the cell lines, though at levels that would be roughly 275 times higher than the theoretical maximum concentration achievable in serum. Therefore, the in vitro effects are likely due to nonspecific effects of changes in salt concentration. Furthermore, cells in the NCI Tumor Cell Line Screen are grown in artificial media under conditions that do not truly mimic the in vivo situation in animals or humans, and that results obtained with the screen may not accurately reflect possible effects in humans. To place the findings for Cancell/Cantron/Protocel in perspective any conventional drug exhibiting this low level of in vitro activity in the NCI human cancer cell line screen would normally not be investigated further by NCI.

The principal manufacturers of Cancell/Cantron/Protocel have stated that they have performed numerous animal experiments with the mixture involving tens of thousands of mice. Reviewed in [1-3] Results of these experiments, however, have not been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and no information beyond stating that some of the experiments tested the toxicity of Cancell/Cantron/Protocel has been provided. Reviewed in [3]

References

1. Questionable methods of cancer management: Cancell/Entelev. CA Cancer J Clin 43 (1): 57-62, 1993 Jan-Feb.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
2. Cancell Alternative Cancer Treatment. Available online ⁵. Last accessed March 19, 2008. 
   
   
3. Sheridan JV, Sheridan JE: How Entelev/Cancell Works. 1992. Available online ⁶. Last accessed March 19, 2008. 
   
   

Human/Clinical Studies

The principal manufacturers of Cancell/Cantron/Protocel have stated that the mixture has been used by thousands of patients and that it is safe and effective in treating 50% to 80% of cancers. Reviewed in [1-3] The degree of effectiveness is said to vary with the type of malignancy. These findings, however, have not been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and only testimonials and anecdotal reports have been provided. No clinical trials of Cancell/Cantron/Protocel have been reported.

References

1. Questionable methods of cancer management: Cancell/Entelev. CA Cancer J Clin 43 (1): 57-62, 1993 Jan-Feb.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
2. Cancell Alternative Cancer Treatment. Available online ⁵. Last accessed March 19, 2008. 
   
   
3. Sheridan JV, Sheridan JE: How Entelev/Cancell Works. 1992. Available online ⁶. Last accessed March 19, 2008. 
   
   

Adverse Effects

The reported side effects of Cancell/Cantron/Protocel include temporary, moderate fatigue during the first few weeks of treatment and nausea. Reviewed in [1,2] One patient who exceeded the manufacturer’s dose recommendations experienced diarrhea for a few hours but was reported to be fine the next day. Reviewed in [2,3]

References

1. Questionable methods of cancer management: Cancell/Entelev. CA Cancer J Clin 43 (1): 57-62, 1993 Jan-Feb.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
2. Cancell Alternative Cancer Treatment. Available online ⁵. Last accessed March 19, 2008. 
   
   
3. Sheridan JV, Sheridan JE: How Entelev/Cancell Works. 1992. Available online ⁶. Last accessed March 19, 2008. 
   
   

Overall Level of Evidence for Cancell/Cantron/Protocel

To assist readers in evaluating the results of human studies of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments for cancer, the strength of the evidence (i.e., the levels of evidence) associated with each type of treatment is provided whenever possible. To qualify for a level of evidence analysis, a study must:

• Be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
• Report on a therapeutic outcome or outcomes, such as tumor response, improvement in survival, or measured improvement in quality of life.
• Describe clinical findings in sufficient detail that a meaningful evaluation can be made.

No levels of evidence analysis could be performed for Cancell/Cantron/Protocel because no study of its use in humans has been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. For additional information about levels of evidence analysis, refer to Levels of Evidence for Human Studies of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine ².

Appendix

As noted previously (Laboratory/Animal/Preclinical Studies ¹⁰) samples of Cancell/Cantron/Protocel were evaluated in the National Cancer Institute's (NCI’s) in vitro 60 Human Tumor Cell Line Screen ⁷ in 1990 and 1991. In the screen, the cell lines are grown in artificial media under conditions that do not truly mimic the in vivo situation in animals or humans. The important information used in assessing a drug’s effectiveness in the NCI in vitro screen includes drug concentrations necessary to achieve the following:

1. 50% inhibition of cell growth (GI50; the concentration needed to reduce the growth of treated cells to half that of untreated [i.e., control] cells).
2. 100% (total) growth inhibition (TGI; the concentration required to completely halt the growth of treated cells).
3. 50% cell kill or lethal concentration (LC50; the concentration that kills 50% of treated cells).

The log₁₀ values for GI50, TGI, and LC50 for the 60 cell lines are available online ⁸.

The variations in log₁₀ values for GI50 are 0.4–1.8 (mean = 1.15), equivalent to concentrations of 2.5–63 μg /mL (mean = 14); the variations in log₁₀ values for TGI are 1.0–2.5 (mean = 1.62), equivalent to 10–320 μg/mL (mean = 41); and the variations in log₁₀ values for LC50 are 1.6–3.9 (mean = 3.17), equivalent to 39–7,943 μg/mL (mean = 1,479).

Based on the manufacturer's recommended doses of a marketed brand of Cancell/Cantron/Protocel it has been calculated that under idealized conditions of absolutely no loss of the constituents after administration to a patient (i.e., 100% bioavailability, meaning no loss due to degradation, absorption in the body, or rapid excretion—an unlikely situation), the maximum concentration that could be achieved in the plasma of an average 154-lb male is 29 μg/mL (antilog of 1.46). Thus, under these highly idealized conditions Cancell/Cantron/Protocel may exhibit some mild inhibitory effect on the growth of some cancer cells, but it would not be expected to inhibit their growth completely or to kill them. There is little evidence that any of the constituents of Cancell/Cantron/Protocel would be available in the bloodstream of a patient.

Changes to This Summary (03/20/2008)

The PDQ cancer information summaries are reviewed regularly and updated as new information becomes available. This section describes the latest changes made to this summary as of the date above.

Editorial changes were made to this summary.

More Information

Additional Information about CAM Therapies

• The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine ¹² (NCCAM).
• The National Cancer Institute Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine ¹³ (OCCAM).
• CAM on PubMed ¹⁴, a special subset of the PubMed scientific literature database created through a partnership between NCCAM and the National Library of Medicine.

About PDQ

• PDQ® - NCI's Comprehensive Cancer Database ¹⁵

  Full description of the NCI PDQ database.

Other PDQ Summaries

• PDQ® Cancer Information Summaries: Adult Treatment ¹⁶

  Treatment options for adult cancers.

• PDQ® Cancer Information Summaries: Pediatric Treatment ¹⁷

  Treatment options for childhood cancers.

• PDQ® Cancer Information Summaries: Supportive and Palliative Care ¹⁸

  Side effects of cancer treatment, management of cancer-related complications and pain, and psychosocial concerns.

• PDQ® Cancer Information Summaries: Screening/Detection (Testing for Cancer) ¹⁹

  Tests or procedures that detect specific types of cancer.

• PDQ® Cancer Information Summaries: Prevention ²⁰

  Risk factors and methods to increase chances of preventing specific types of cancer.

• PDQ® Cancer Information Summaries: Genetics ²¹

  Genetics of specific cancers and inherited cancer syndromes, and ethical, legal, and social concerns.

• PDQ® Cancer Information Summaries: Complementary and Alternative Medicine ²²

  Information about complementary and alternative forms of treatment for patients with cancer.

Important:

This information is intended mainly for use by doctors and other health care professionals. If you have questions about this topic, you can ask your doctor, or call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).

Glossary Terms

A chemical process in which oxygen is used to make energy from carbohydrates (sugars). Also called aerobic respiration, cell respiration, and oxidative metabolism.

A disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). People with AIDS are at an increased risk for developing certain cancers and for infections that usually occur only in individuals with a weak immune system. Also called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

An incomplete description of the medical and treatment history of one or more patients. Anecdotal reports may be published in places other than peer-reviewed, scientific journals.

Having to do with stopping abnormal cell growth.

A large group of single-cell microorganisms. Some cause infections and disease in animals and humans. The singular of bacteria is bacterium.

The ability of a drug or other substance to be absorbed and used by the body. Orally bioavailable means that a drug or other substance that is taken by mouth can be absorbed and used by the body.

In living cells, chemical reactions that help sustain life and allow cells to grow.

An enzyme found in pineapples that breaks down other proteins, such as collagen and muscle fiber, and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is used as a meat tenderizer in the food industry.

A liquid that has been promoted as a treatment for a wide range of diseases, including cancer. The ingredients thought to be in Cancell have been tested, and none of them has been shown to be effective in treating any form of cancer. Cancell is not available in the United States. Also called 126–F, Cantron, Jim’s Juice, JS–101, JS–114, Protocel, and Sheridan’s Formula.

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.

A liquid that has been promoted as a treatment for a wide range of diseases, including cancer. The ingredients thought to be in Cantron have been tested, and none of them has been shown to be effective in treating any form of cancer. Cantron is not available in the United States. Also called 126–F, Cancell, Jim’s Juice, JS–101, JS–114, Protocel, and Sheridan’s Formula.

A chemical originally isolated from a type of mimosa tree. Catechol is used as an astringent, an antiseptic, and in photography, electroplating, and making other chemicals. It can also be made in the laboratory.

The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.

The sum of all chemical changes that take place in a cell through which energy and basic components are provided for essential processes, including the synthesis of new molecules and the breakdown and removal of others.

A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. Also called clinical trial.

A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. Also called clinical study.

A term previously used to describe chronic diseases of the connective tissue (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis), but now is thought to be more appropriate for diseases associated with defects in collagen, which is a component of the connective tissue.

Forms of treatment that are used in addition to (complementary) or instead of (alternative) standard treatments. These practices generally are not considered standard medical approaches. Standard treatments go through a long and careful research process to prove they are safe and effective, but less is known about most types of CAM. CAM may include dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, herbal preparations, special teas, acupuncture, massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation. Also called CAM.

A common hereditary disease in which exocrine (secretory) glands produce abnormally thick mucus. This mucus can cause problems in digestion, breathing, and body cooling.

A disease in which the body does not control the amount of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood and the kidneys make a large amount of urine. This disease occurs when the body does not make enough insulin or does not use it the way it should.

Frequent and watery bowel movements.

The things a person eats and drinks.

A colorless liquid that readily dissolves many chemicals and penetrates animal and plant tissues. It is used in human medicine, veterinary medicine, and pharmaceuticals.

The amount of medicine taken, or radiation given, at one time.

Pulmonary emphysema is a disorder affecting the alveoli (tiny air sacs) of the lungs. The transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs takes place in the walls of the alveoli. In emphysema, the alveoli become abnormally inflated, damaging their walls and making it harder to breathe. People who smoke or have chronic bronchitis have an increased risk of emphysema.

A group of disorders marked by problems in the normal functioning of the brain. These problems can produce seizures, unusual body movements, a loss of consciousness or changes in consciousness, as well as mental problems or problems with the senses.

A condition marked by extreme tiredness and inability to function due lack of energy. Fatigue may be acute or chronic.

An agency in the U.S. federal government whose mission is to protect public health by making sure that food, cosmetics, and nutritional supplements are safe to use and truthfully labeled. The FDA also makes sure that drugs, medical devices, and equipment are safe and effective, and that blood for transfusions and transplant tissue are safe. Also called Food and Drug Administration.

An agency in the U.S. federal government whose mission is to protect public health by making sure that food, cosmetics, and nutritional supplements are safe to use and truthfully labeled. The Food and Drug Administration also makes sure that drugs, medical devices, and equipment are safe and effective, and that blood for transfusions and transplant tissue are safe. Also called FDA.

A process in which glucose (sugar) is partially broken down by cells in enzyme reactions that do not need oxygen. Glycolysis is one method that cells use to produce energy. When glycolysis is linked with other enzyme reactions that use oxygen, more complete breakdown of glucose is possible and more energy is produced.

Group of hereditary disorders in which affected individuals fail to make enough of certain proteins needed to form blood clots.

A blood pressure of 140/90 or higher. Hypertension usually has no symptoms. It can harm the arteries and cause an increase in the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and blindness. Also called high blood pressure.

Abnormally low blood pressure.

In the laboratory (outside the body). The opposite of in vivo (in the body).

In the body. The opposite of in vitro (outside the body or in the laboratory).

Taking into the body by mouth.

A nutrient in the vitamin B complex that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Inositol helps cells make membranes and respond to messages from their environment. It has the same chemical formula as glucose (the chief source of energy for living organisms) but has a different arrangement of atoms. It is found in beans, peas, brown rice, wheat bran and nuts. It is water-soluble (can dissolve in water) and must be taken in every day. Inositol is being studied in the prevention of cancer. Also called myoinositol.

A ranking system used to describe the strength of the results measured in a clinical trial or research study. The design of the study (such as a case report for an individual patient or a randomized double-blinded controlled clinical trial) and the endpoints measured (such as survival or quality of life) affect the strength of the evidence.

A cancerous tumor that can invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.

A statistics term. The average value in a set of measurements. The mean is the sum of a set of numbers divided by how many numbers are in the set.

The total of all chemical changes that take place in a cell or an organism. These changes make energy and the materials needed for growth, reproduction, and maintaining health. They also help get rid of toxic substances.

One millionth of a gram.

A measure of volume for a liquid. A milliliter is approximately 950 times smaller than a quart and 30 times smaller than a fluid ounce. A milliliter of liquid and a cubic centimeter (cc) of liquid are the same.

A disorder of the central nervous system marked by weakness, numbness, a loss of muscle coordination, and problems with vision, speech, and bladder control. Multiple sclerosis is thought to be an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system destroys myelin. Myelin is a substance that contains both protein and fat (lipid), serving as a nerve insulator and helping in the transmission of nerve signals.

To change the genetic material of a cell. The changes (mutations) can be harmful, beneficial, or have no effect.

The National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, is the Federal Government's principal agency for cancer research. The National Cancer Institute conducts, coordinates, and funds cancer research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer. Access the National Cancer Institute Web site at http://www.cancer.gov. Also called NCI.

A feeling of sickness or discomfort in the stomach that may come with an urge to vomit. Nausea is a side effect of some types of cancer therapy.

A toxic, corrosive, colorless liquid used to make fertilizers, dyes, explosives, and other chemicals.

By or having to do with the mouth.

A progressive disorder of the nervous system marked by muscle tremors, muscle rigidity, decreased mobility, stooped posture, slow voluntary movements, and a mask-like facial expression.

PDQ is an online database developed and maintained by the National Cancer Institute. Designed to make the most current, credible, and accurate cancer information available to health professionals and the public, PDQ contains peer-reviewed summaries on cancer treatment, screening, prevention, genetics, complementary and alternative medicine, and supportive care; a registry of cancer clinical trials from around the world; and directories of physicians, professionals who provide genetics services, and organizations that provide cancer care. Most of this information, and more specific information about PDQ, can be found on the NCI's Web site at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq. Also called Physician Data Query.

The clear, yellowish, fluid part of the blood that carries the blood cells. The proteins that form blood clots are in plasma.

A toxic and highly corrosive chemical used to make soap, in bleaching, and as a paint remover. It is used in small amounts as a food additive and in the preparation of some drugs.

Research using animals to find out if a drug, procedure, or treatment is likely to be useful. Preclinical studies take place before any testing in humans is done.

The overall enjoyment of life. Many clinical trials assess the effects of cancer and its treatment on the quality of life. These studies measure aspects of an individual’s sense of well-being and ability to carry out various activities.

By or having to do with the rectum. The rectum is the last several inches of the large intestine closest to the anus.

In medicine, an improvement related to treatment.

A chronic disorder marked by hardening and thickening of the skin. Scleroderma can be localized or it can affect the entire body (systemic).

The clear liquid part of the blood that remains after blood cells and clotting proteins have been removed.

A problem that occurs when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Some common side effects of cancer treatment are fatigue, pain, nausea, vomiting, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss, and mouth sores.

A chemical used in photography, paper making, water treatment, and for other purposes.

The material in a bowel movement. Stool is made up of food that was not digested, bacteria, mucus, and cells from the intestines. Also called feces.

A strong acid that, when concentrated, is extremely corrosive to the skin and mucous membranes. It is used in making fertilizers, dyes, electroplating, and industrial explosives.

A chronic, inflammatory, connective tissue disease that can affect the joints and many organs, including the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, and nervous system. It can cause many different symptoms; however, not everyone with systemic lupus erythematosus has all of the symptoms. Also called lupus and SLE.

Disease that cannot be cured and will cause death.

Information provided by an individual who claims to have been helped or cured by a particular product. The information provided lacks the necessary elements to be evaluated in a rigorous and scientific manner and is not used in the scientific literature.

Having to do with treating disease and helping healing take place.

On the surface of the body.

Fluid containing water and waste products. Urine is made by the kidneys, stored in the bladder, and leaves the body through the urethra.

Having to do with the vagina (the birth canal).

A nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Sources of vitamins are plant and animal food products and dietary supplements. Some vitamins are made in the human body from food products. Vitamins are either fat-soluble (can dissolve in fats and oils) or water-soluble (can dissolve in water). Excess fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body’s fatty tissue, but excess water-soluble vitamins are removed in the urine. Examples are vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

A nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Vitamin E helps prevent cell damage caused by free radicals (highly reactive chemicals). It is fat-soluble (can dissolve in fats and oils) and is found in seeds, nuts, leafy vegetables, and vegetable oils. Not enough vitamin E can result in infertility (the inability to produce children). It is being studied in the prevention and treatment of some types of cancer. Vitamin E is a type of antioxidant.

To eject some or all of the contents of the stomach through the mouth.