Dichloroacetic acid (DCA) is an acid, an analogue of acetic acid in which two of the three hydrogen atoms of the methyl group have been replaced by chlorine atoms. The salts and esters of DCA are called dichloroacetates. Salts of DCA are used as drugs since they inhibit the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase.

Our cells, including cancer cells, need energy to grow and function.  Cells generate energy by breaking down sugar (glucose) by using a process known as the Krebs cycle, which takes place in tiny structures within the cell called mitochondria.

Cancer cells bypass this cycle and produce energy using a simpler process, known as glycolysis, which takes place outside the mitochondria in the cell’s cytoplasm.

Mitochondria generates energy for the cell and also triggers the cell to die if it is faulty – a process that helps stop cancers from forming in the first place.  Because cancer cells seem to switch off their mitochondria, it is believed that this is one way in which cancer cells are able to evade death.

DCA is a very simple chemical and is similar to some of the chemicals involved in the Krebs cycle.  In 2007, researchers at the University of Alberta found that adding DCA to cancer cells grown in the lab starts the Krebs cycle, turning the mitochondria back on again.  This caused the cancer cells to stop multiplying and die.  Since mitochondria were functioning normally, DCA did not affect healthy cell.

In June 2010, three weeks before I came to Vienna, Austria for hyperthermia treatments, I began DCA. However, I took 3-4 times the appropriate dose and ended up in a Pennsylvania ER with severe dehydration, exhaustion, peripheral neurothapy, and a rash that covered 25% of my body.  I was very sick and weak and received IV fluids.  I left the hospital against medical advice and treated myself at home with fluids and rest.

I believe short-term use of DCA at an appropriate dose is safe, and I plan to start taking it again in late July 2010.   My problems were resolved within 10 days after stopping DCA.  I got most of my information about DCA from this website:  http://www.thedcasite.com.

Also, to learn about the UCLA Phase 2 clinical trial on DCA for Breast and Lung CA, please click the link below.