Health Care Professional Information
Common Name
Entelev®, Cantron®, Sheridan’s formula, JS-114, JS-101, 126-F, Jim’s Juice, Quantrol, Protocel®
Clinical Summary
Unproven alternative treatment which contains a variety of ingredients depending on manufacturer (e.g catechol, nitric acid, sodium sulfite, potassium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, crocinic acid, and various minerals and vitamins). Patients use this product to prevent and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and other immunologic and degenerative diseases.
Proposed by James Sheridan in the 1930s, CanCell® is believed to balance the vibrational frequency of cancer cells, thereby returning them to their healthy state. This theory is not supported by scientific evidence (1) (2).
Manufacturers of CanCell® discourage combining CanCell® with conventional oncology treatments (1). Patients should avoid this product.
Purported Uses
- Alzheimer's disease
- Cancer treatment
- Cystic fibrosis
- Diabetes
- Emphysema
- Epilepsy
- Hemophilia
- Herpes
- HIV and AIDS
- Hypertension
- Hypotension
- Multiple sclerosis
- Scleroderma
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Viral infections
Constituents
- Nitric acid
- Sodium sulfite
- Potassium hydroxide
- Sulfuric acid
- Catechol
- Crocinic acid
- Inositol
- Minerals
- Vitamins
(1)
Mechanism of Action
Manufacturers of CanCell® and Cantron® offer different theories explaining their products' anticancer activities: Cancer cells function at a “critical point” of cellular respiration, above which normal cells function aerobically, and below which abnormal anaerobic cells are destroyed as foreign matter. The catechol component is claimed to inhibit cellular respiration in cancer cells so that they might fall from the “critical point” to a primitive state and self-destruct. In addition, CanCell® is thought to balance the vibration frequency of cancer cells, returning them to a normal state. The manufacturers of Cantron® claim that imbalance in cellular respiration results in cellular damage. Cantron® is believed to help maintain balance through the electrolyte and antioxidant properties of its hydroxyquinone and catechol components. Neither set of claims is substantiated by scientific data.
(1) (2)
Pharmacokinetics
No formal pharmacokinetics studies exist. The manufacturer states that the product is absorbed orally, sublingually, topically, and rectally.
(1)
Literature Summary and Critique
Although the manufacturers of CanCell® maintain that extensive studies in mice and humans document its efficacy (3), no data have been published in peer-reviewed journals. In 1978 and 1980, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) conducted animal studies with CanCell® and found that the product lacked antitumor activity. The NCI's In Vitro Anticancer Drug Discovery Program evaluated CanCell® in 1990-1, also with negative results (1). Neither study was published. It was determined that no further research on CanCell®/Entelev® was warranted.
Dosage (Inside MSKCC Only)
This field is only visible to only Inside MSKCC users.
Consumer Information
How It Works
Bottom Line: Cancell® has not been shown to treat or prevent cancer.
CanCell® (also called Entelev® or Cantron®) was developed by a chemist in the 1930s. Its exact ingredients are unknown, but it is thought to contain catechol (stabilizes collagen and is used in tanning and dyeing), nitric acid (an intermediate used in the manufacturing of fertilizers and explosives), sodium sulfite, potassium hydroxide (a caustic material), sulfuric acid (a corrosive liquid), crocinic acid, and various minerals and vitamins. This mixture of chemicals, the manufacturers claim, normalizes the cellular metabolism and balances the vibration frequency of cancer cells, causing them to die or return to a healthy state. Scientists from the National Cancer Institute reviewed these theories, tested CanCell® in laboratory studies on cancer cells, and concluded that CanCell® has no anticancer activity.
Purported Uses
None of the following claims is supported by scientific evidence.
- To treat Alzheimer's disease
- To treat cancer
- To treat cystic fibrosis
- To treat Diabetes
- To treat emphysema
- To treat epilepsy
- To treat Epstein-Barr virus
- To treat hemophilia
- To treat herpes
- To treat HIV and AIDS
- To lower high blood pressure
- To raise low blood pressure
- To treat multiple sclerosis
- To treat scleroderma
- To treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Research Evidence
Although the manufacturers of CanCell® claim that extensive studies in mice and humans show that it is effective, none of these studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals. In 1978 and 1980, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) conducted animal studies with CanCell® and found that the product lacked antitumor activity. The NCI's In Vitro Anticancer Drug Discovery Program evaluated CanCell® in 1990-1, also with negative results. It was determined that no further research on CanCell®/Entelev® was warranted.
Last updated: May 30, 2012
abnormal (ab-NOR-mul)
Not normal. An abnormal lesion or growth may be cancer, premalignant (likely to become cancer), or benign (not cancer).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)acid (A-sid)
A chemical that gives off hydrogen ions in water and forms salts by combining with certain metals. Acids have a sour taste and turn certain dyes red. Some acids made by the body, such as gastric acid, can help organs work the way they should. An example of an acid is hydrochloric acid. Acidity is measured on a scale called the pH scale. On this scale, a value of 7 is neutral, and a pH value of less than 7 to 0 shows increasing acidity.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)antioxidant (AN-tee-OK-sih-dent)
A substance that protects cells from the damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules made by the process of oxidation during normal metabolism). Free radicals may play a part in cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other diseases of aging. Antioxidants include beta-carotene, lycopene, vitamins A, C, and E, and other natural and manufactured substances.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)antitumor (AN-tee-TOO-mer)
Having to do with stopping abnormal cell growth.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)blood (blud)
A tissue with red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other substances suspended in fluid called plasma. Blood takes oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and carries away wastes.
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)catechol (ka-teh-KOL)
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.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cellular metabolism (SEL-yoo-ler meh-TA-buh-lih-zum)
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.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)collagen (KAH-luh-jen)
A fibrous protein found in cartilage and other connective tissue.
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)electrolyte (ee-LEK-troh-lite)
A substance that breaks up into ions (particles with electrical charges) when it is dissolved in water or body fluids. Some examples of ions are sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, and phosphate. These ions help move nutrients into cells, help move waste out of cells, and help nerves, muscles, the heart, and the brain work the way they should.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)foreign (FOR-in)
In medicine, foreign describes something that comes from outside the body. A foreign substance in the body’s tissues, such as a bacterium or virus, may be recognized by the immune system as not belonging to the body. This causes an immune response. Other foreign substances in the body, such as artificial joints, are designed to not cause an immune response.
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)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)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)National Cancer Institute (NA-shuh-nul KAN-ser IN-stih-TOOT)
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 . Also called NCI.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)oncology (on-KAH-loh-jee)
The study of cancer.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)pharmacokinetics (FAR-muh-koh-kih-NEH-tix)
The activity of drugs in the body over a period of time, including the processes by which drugs are absorbed, distributed in the body, localized in the tissues, and excreted.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)potassium (puh-TA-see-um)
A metallic element that is important in body functions such as regulation of blood pressure and of water content in cells, transmission of nerve impulses, digestion, muscle contraction, and heartbeat.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)potassium hydroxide (puh-TA-see-um hy-DROK-side)
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.
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)sodium sulfite (SOH-dee-um SUL-fite)
A chemical used in photography, paper making, water treatment, and for other purposes.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)sulfuric acid (sul-FYUR-ik A-sid)
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.
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)systemic lupus erythematosus (sis-TEH-mik LOO-pus AYR-ih-THEE-muh-TOH-sus)
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.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)viral (VY-rul)
Having to do with a virus.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
