Health Care Professional Information
Clinical Summary
Insulin Potentiation Therapy (IPT) is an alternative cancer therapy that uses insulin to potentiate the effect of chemotherapy and other medications. This therapy was developed in Mexico by Dr. Donato Perez Garcia in the 1930s and has been used together with other unconventional therapies for many years (1). Advocates of IPT believe that cancer cells consume more sugar than healthy cells and are therefore more sensitive to insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) (2) (7). Insulin is also believed to increase the permeability of cell membranes, increasing the intracellular concentration and cytotoxic effect of anticancer drugs (1). According to the theory underlying this therapy, if cancer cells can be activated by exogenous insulin, a reduced dose (up to one-tenth the normal dose) of a chemo drug can provide the same cytotoxic effects with less severe adverse reactions. No clinical trials have been performed to validate these claims. In addition, the pharmacokinetic profiles on concurrent use of insulin and chemo drugs are lacking and it is unclear whether the insulin also potentiates the toxic effects of chemotherapy on healthy cells.
Although proponents cite anecdotal case reports suggesting that IPT may be effective, there are no data comparing the efficacy of IPT to conventional chemotherapy. Most of the medications used, such as insulin and other chemo drugs, are approved by the FDA, but the IPT clinics administer them “off-label.” Some clinics that administer IPT are not operated or staffed by oncologists. Side effects of IPT include hypoglycemic reaction. A systematic review of 21 studies showed a correlation between circulating levels of IGF-I, IGFBP3 (IGF-binding protein) and an increased risk of common cancers (8).
Constituents
Insulin and chemotherapy agents
Mechanism of Action
IPT is a treatment strategy that utilizes the physiological activities of insulin. It is based on the theory that insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) play an important role in the cell cycle. IGF has been shown to affect the proliferation, adhesion and migration of normal as well as cancerous cells (2). Certain IGF receptors are found to be overexpressed in many forms of cancer, therefore, cancer cells may be selectively more sensitive than normal cells to IGF (1) (7). IGF receptors can be activated by exogenous insulin. Insulin is also believed to increase the permeability of cell membranes, leading to the increase in intracellular concentration and cytotoxic effect of anticancer drugs. Proponents argue that insulin synergistically enhances the efficacy of anticancer drug so that a reduced dose can be used with similar cytotoxic effects (5) (6). The mechanism of IGF receptor's role in cancer treatment appears to be more complex. At least one study has demonstrated the inhibition of IGF receptors can also increase the effects of anticancer drugs (3).
Pharmacokinetics
Insulin is believed to increase the permeability of cell membrane, leading to the increase in intracellular concentration and cytotoxicity of anticancer drugs (1).
Herb-Drug Interactions
- Hypoglycemic agents: IPT may potentiate their effects.
References
- Ayre SG, et al. Insulin, chemotherapy, and the mechanisms of malignancy: the design and the demise of cancer. Med Hypotheses. 2000;55(4):330-4.
- Leroith D, Roberts C. The insulin-like growth factor system and cancer. Cancer Lett. 2003;195(2):127-37.
- Benini S, et al. Inhibition of insulin-like growth factor I receptor increases the antitumor activity of doxorubicin and vincristine against Ewing sarcoma cells. Clin Cancer Res. 2001;7(6):1790-7.
- Ayre SG, et al. Insulin potentiation therapy: a new concept in the management of chronic degenerative disease. Med Hypotheses. 1986;20(2):199-210.
- Ayre SG, et al. Neoadjuvant low-dose chemotherapy with insulin in breast carcinomas. Eur J Cancer. 1990;26(11-12):1262-3.
- Albaster O, et al. Metabolic modification by insulin enhances methotrexate cytotoxicity in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Eur J Cancer Clin Oncol. 1981;(11):1223-8.
- Holdaway IM, Friesen HG. Hormone binding by human mammary carcinoma. Cancer Res. 1977;37(7 Pt 1):1946-52.
- Renehan AG, et al. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, IGF binding protein-3, and cancer risk: systematic review and meta-regression analysis. Lancet. 2004;263:1346-53.
Consumer Information
How It Works
Bottom Line: Insulin Potentiation Therapy is not effective in treating cancer.
Insulin potentiation therapy involves administering insulin at the same time as chemotherapy drugs, with the idea that lower doses of chemo are needed because insulin lets more of the drugs enter cells. However, this has never been proven experimentally. In general, insulin should not been taken by non-diabetics because it can decrease blood sugar to dangerously low levels, causing symptoms such as headache and delirium.
Purported Uses
- To treat cancer
There are no data to support this claim.
Research Evidence
No clinical trials have tested the safety or effectiveness of insulin potentiation therapy.
Do Not Take If
- You are taking hypoglycemic agents (IPT can have additive effects).
Last updated: July 25, 2011
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)cell (sel)
The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cell cycle (sel SY-kul)
The process a cell goes through each time it divides. The cell cycle consists of a series of steps during which the chromosomes and other cell material double to make two copies. The cell then divides into two daughter cells, each receiving one copy of the doubled material. The cell cycle is complete when each daughter cell is surrounded by its own outer membrane. Also called mitotic cycle.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)chemotherapy (KEE-moh-THAYR-uh-pee)
Treatment with drugs that kill cancer cells.
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)concentration (KON-sen-TRAY-shun)
In science, the amount of a substance, such as a salt, that is in a certain amount of tissue or liquid, such as blood. A substance becomes more concentrated when less water is present. For example, the salt in urine may become more concentrated when a person doesn’t drink enough water.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cytotoxic (SY-toh-TOK-sik)
Cell-killing.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)delirium (deh-LEER-ee-um)
A mental state in which a person is confused, disoriented, and not able to think or remember clearly. The person may also be agitated and have hallucinations, and extreme excitement.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)dose (dose)
The amount of medicine taken, or radiation given, at one time.
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)FDA
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.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)growth factor (grothe FAK-ter)
A substance made by the body that functions to regulate cell division and cell survival. Some growth factors are also produced in the laboratory and used in biological therapy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)IGF
A protein made by the body that stimulates the growth of many types of cells. IGF is similar to insulin (a hormone made in the pancreas). There are two forms of IGF called IGF-1 and IGF-2. Higher than normal levels of IGF-1 may increase the risk of several types of cancer. IGF is a type of growth factor and a type of cytokine. Also called insulin-like growth factor and somatomedin.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)insulin (IN-suh-lin)
A hormone made by the islet cells of the pancreas. Insulin controls the amount of sugar in the blood by moving it into the cells, where it can be used by the body for energy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)insulin-like growth factor (IN-suh-lin-like grothe FAK-ter)
A protein made by the body that stimulates the growth of many types of cells. Insulin-like growth factor is similar to insulin (a hormone made in the pancreas). There are two forms of insulin-like growth factor called IGF-1 and IGF-2. Higher than normal levels of IGF-1 may increase the risk of several types of cancer. Insulin-like growth factor is a type of growth factor and a type of cytokine. Also called IGF and somatomedin.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)intracellular (IN-truh-SEL-yoo-ler)
Inside a cell.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)membrane (MEM-brayn)
A very thin layer of tissue that covers a surface.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)potentiation (poh-TEN-shee-AY-shun)
In medicine, the effect of increasing the potency or effectiveness of a drug or other treatment.
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)toxic (TOK-sik)
Having to do with poison or something harmful to the body. Toxic substances usually cause unwanted side effects.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
