Health Care Professional Information
Scientific Name
Trimethylaminohydroxybicycloheptane chloride
Clinical Summary
Proprietary product developed and manufactured by Cerbe Inc., Canada, 714X is used to prevent and treat cancer, AIDS, lupus, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. It is promoted as a sterile, isotonic formulation that contains nitrates (~5%), ammonium (~1.4%), and camphor (0.01%) (1). It is not legal in the United States and is available only in Canada under the Compassionate Use Program (2). 714X is injected intralymphatically in the groin area daily for 21 days followed by three treatment-free days. This cycle is repeated at least three times. Inhalation therapy is used concomitantly for patients with head and neck or lung cancer. Injection site reactions, including redness and soreness, may occur (1) (2).
No published data evaluate 714X for any of the proposed claims.
Constituents
- Water (94%)
- Camphor (~<0.01%)
- Nitrate (~5%)
- Ammonium (~1.4%)
- Sodium chloride (~1%)
- Ethanol (~1%)
- Trace elements (insignificant amounts)
(1)
Mechanism of Action
Developed by Gaston Naessens, 714X is said to help disease regression, revitalize the immune system, and support host defense mechanisms. Promoters claim that the camphor has selective affinity for cancer cells, while the nitrate component fulfills cancer cells' nitrogen requirement, thereby protecting immune cells. The nitrogen-enriched camphor supposedly antagonizes the secretion of co-cancerogenic K factor (CKF) by cancer cells (1) (2). No data in the literature support the proposed mechanisms of action or benefits.
Adverse Reactions
Common: Injection site reactions, such as redness, inflammation, and soreness
(1)
Literature Summary and Critique
No published clinical trials, case reports, or in vitro data support the use of 714X for any of the proposed claims.
Dosage (Inside MSKCC Only)
This field is only visible to only Inside MSKCC users.
Consumer Information
How It Works
Bottom Line: There is no scientific evidence to support the use of 714X.
714X is a chemical mixture that was developed by Gaston Naessens, a French biologist from Canada. Although several claims have been made for 714X, such as cancer regression and revitalizing the immune system, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration analyzed the contents of 714X and found that it contains relatively inactive ingredients: 94% water, 5% nitrate, and tiny amounts of sodium, chloride, and camphor. Whereas such a mixture may not be harmful to the body, there are no data to show that 714X can treat cancer or HIV.
Purported Uses
There is no scientific evidence to support the claims below:
- To prevent and treat cancer
- To treat chronic fatigue syndrome
- To treat HIV and AIDS
- To relieve muscle pain
- To treat rheumatoid arthritis
- To treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Research Evidence
There are no experimental or clinical data to support use of 714X.
Patient Warnings
- 714X is not legal in the United States. The F.D.A. has prosecuted Americans caught selling this product.
Side Effects
Injection site reactions such as redness, swelling, and soreness have been reported.
Special Point
The manufacturer of 714X, Cerbe, Inc., warns that combining 714X with vitamin B12, vitamin E, shark cartilage or bovine cartilage may reduce its effectiveness.
Last updated: October 3, 2012
administration (ad-MIH-nih-STRAY-shun)
In medicine, the act of giving a treatment, such as a drug, to a patient. It can also refer to the way it is given, the dose, or how often it is given.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)affinity (uh-FIH-nih-tee)
In chemistry and biology, the strength of the attaction between two substances, such as two chemicals, or an antigen and an antibody.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)camphor (KAM-fer)
A substance that comes from the wood and bark of the camphor tree or is made in the laboratory. It has a very unique smell and taste and is used in commercial products (for example, mothballs). Camphor is used in topical anti-infective and anti-pruritic (anti-itching) agents.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cancer (KAN-ser)
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 a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a 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. Also called malignancy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cartilage (KAR-tih-lij)
A tough, flexible tissue that lines joints and gives structure to the nose, ears, larynx, and other parts of the body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)chemical (KEH-mih-kul)
A substance made up of elements, such as hydrogen or sodium.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)chronic (KRAH-nik)
A disease or condition that persists or progresses over a long period of time.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)clinical (KLIH-nih-kul)
Having to do with the examination and treatment of patients.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)drug (drug)
Any substance, other than food, that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Also refers to a substance that alters mood or body function, or that can be habit-forming or addictive, especially a narcotic.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)efficacy (EH-fih-kuh-see)
Effectiveness. In medicine, the ability of an intervention (for example, a drug or surgery) to produce the desired beneficial effect.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)experimental (ek-SPAYR-ih-men-tul)
In clinical trials, refers to a drug (including a new drug, dose, combination, or route of administration) or procedure that has undergone basic laboratory testing and received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be tested in human subjects. A drug or procedure may be approved by the FDA for use in one disease or condition, but be considered experimental in other diseases or conditions. Also called investigational.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)fatigue (fuh-TEEG)
A condition marked by extreme tiredness and inability to function due lack of energy. Fatigue may be acute or chronic.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)groin (groyn)
The area where the thigh meets the abdomen.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)HIV
The cause of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Also called human immunodeficiency virus.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)immune system (ih-MYOON SIS-tem)
The complex group of organs and cells that defends the body against infections and other diseases.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)in vitro (in VEE-troh)
In the laboratory (outside the body). The opposite of in vivo (in the body).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)inflammation (IN-fluh-MAY-shun)
Redness, swelling, pain, and/or a feeling of heat in an area of the body. This is a protective reaction to injury, disease, or irritation of the tissues.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)inhalation (IN-huh-LAY-shun)
In medicine, refers to the act of taking a substance into the body by breathing.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)injection (in-JEK-shun)
Use of a syringe and needle to push fluids or drugs into the body; often called a "shot."
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)lung (lung)
One of a pair of organs in the chest that supplies the body with oxygen, and removes carbon dioxide from the body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)lupus (LOO-pus)
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 lupus has all of the symptoms. Also called SLE and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)regression (reh-GREH-shun)
A decrease in the size of a tumor or in the extent of cancer in the body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)sodium (SOH-dee-um)
A mineral needed by the body to keep body fluids in balance. Sodium is found in table salt and in many processed foods. Too much sodium can cause the body to retain water.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)systemic (sis-TEH-mik)
Affecting the entire body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)therapy (THAYR-uh-pee)
Treatment.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)vitamin (VY-tuh-min)
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.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)vitamin B12 (VY-tuh-min ...)
A nutrient in the vitamin B complex that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Vitamin B12 helps make red blood cells, DNA, RNA, energy, and tissues, and keeps nerve cells healthy. It is found in liver, meat, eggs, poultry, shellfish, milk, and milk products. Vitamin B12 is water-soluble (can dissolve in water) and must be taken in every day. Not enough vitamin B12 can cause certain types of anemia (a condition in which the number of red blood cells is below normal) and neurologic disorders. It is being studied with folate in the prevention and treatment of some types of cancer. Also called cobalamin and cyanocobalamin.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)vitamin E (VY-tuh-min ...)
A nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to stay healthy and work the way it should. It is fat-soluble (can dissolve in fats and oils) and is found in seeds, nuts, leafy green vegetables, and vegetable oils. Vitamin E boosts the immune system and helps keep blood clots from forming. It also helps prevent cell damage caused by free radicals (highly reactive chemicals). Vitamin E is being studied in the prevention and treatment of some types of cancer. It is a type of antioxidant. Also called alpha-tocopherol.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
