What is dichloroacetate (DCA) for cancer?

Dichloroacetate (DCA) is a small molecule that scientists are studying for its potential to treat cancer by changing how cancer cells get their energy.

Normally, cancer cells use a process called glycolysis to produce energy, even when there's enough oxygen available. This is known as the Warburg effect. DCA works by blocking an enzyme called pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK). When PDK is blocked, cancer cells switch from glycolysis to a different way of making energy called glucose oxidation in the mitochondria. This switch can lead to:

• Slower tumor growth
• Cancer cells dying (apoptosis)
• Less spreading of cancer (metastasis)

Many lab studies with cells and animals have shown that DCA can shrink tumors, stop cancer cells from growing, and make other cancer treatments work better. For example, combining DCA with chemotherapy drugs like paclitaxel or cisplatin has been shown to improve treatment results in different cancer models.

However, DCA has some safety concerns. It can cause nerve damage (neurotoxicity) if used for a long time, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet.

Although DCA shows promise in treating cancer by changing how cancer cells get their energy, more research and clinical trials are needed to prove it works well and is safe.

Patients should talk to an integrative cancer specialist before considering DCA as a treatment option because of the potential risks and the need for more evidence