This page presents factual information about a protocol that is being used or searched by cancer patients. Our goal is accurate information and harm reduction, not endorsement. Always discuss with a qualified oncologist before considering any non-standard treatment.
Baking Soda / Simoncini Protocol
Also known as: Sodium Bicarbonate Cancer Protocol, Simoncini Protocol, Bicarbonate Therapy, Alkaline Cancer Cure, pH Cancer Protocol
Dr. Tullio Simoncini, a former Italian oncologist (whose medical licence was subsequently revoked), proposed in his book 'Cancer is a Fungus' that all cancer is a Candida albicans fungal infection, and that injecting sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) directly into tumours kills the Candida and therefore cures the cancer. A wider 'alkaline cancer diet/supplement' movement also promotes oral baking soda supplementation based on the claim that cancer cannot survive in an alkaline environment and that making the body more alkaline prevents or treats cancer.
What Proponents Claim
Simoncini and alkalinity advocates claim: (1) cancer is a fungal colony (Candida) that appears white, like the white colour of tumours on imaging; (2) sodium bicarbonate is antifungal and kills Candida; (3) cancer cells create an acidic microenvironment and thrive in acidity; (4) making the body alkaline through baking soda, alkaline water, alkaline diet, etc. deprives cancer cells of their preferred environment and kills them or prevents them from spreading.
What the Science Actually Shows
Verdict: Potentially Dangerous
Cancer is not a fungal infection. Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen that causes infections in immunocompromised patients — including many cancer patients on chemotherapy — but it does not cause cancer. The white appearance of some tumours has nothing to do with fungal colonies. The acidic tumour microenvironment claim contains a kernel of truth: tumours do create local acidity through the Warburg effect (lactic acid production). However, blood pH is maintained within an extremely narrow range (7.35–7.45) by the lungs and kidneys — oral baking soda cannot significantly alter blood or tumour pH. Sodium bicarbonate is used in some legitimate research as a way to temporarily reduce local tumour acidity in animal models — but this is experimental, not a proven treatment. Simoncini's protocol of injecting baking soda directly into tumours has caused patient deaths. He was convicted of manslaughter in Italy in 2006 after a patient died, and his medical licence was permanently revoked.
Regulatory Stance
Simoncini was convicted of manslaughter and fraud by an Italian court in 2006 following a patient death and subsequently had his medical licence permanently revoked. Italian courts convicted him again in subsequent cases. The Italian National Health Service does not recognise the Simoncini protocol. The FDA has not approved any baking soda protocol for cancer treatment. The American Cancer Society and major cancer centres worldwide classify this as an unproven and potentially harmful treatment. Legitimate medical use of sodium bicarbonate includes treating metabolic acidosis, kidney disease, and as an excipient in some medications — not cancer.
Known Risks
- Direct tumour injection (Simoncini method): tumour perforation, haemorrhage, sepsis, and death — documented fatalities have occurred
- High-dose oral sodium bicarbonate: metabolic alkalosis — symptoms include muscle cramping, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases cardiac arrhythmia
- Electrolyte imbalance: sodium overload, hypokalaemia (low potassium) with regular high-dose use
- Interference with chemotherapy: altering GI pH may affect absorption of oral chemotherapy drugs
- Heart failure exacerbation: sodium load from baking soda dangerous in patients with congestive heart failure or kidney disease
- False reassurance: believing one is 'alkalising' the body and thereby treating cancer may prevent patients from seeking evidence-based treatment
- Financial exploitation: expensive 'alkaline protocol' programmes, supplements, and alkaline water systems
- The core premise (cancer = Candida) leads patients to antifungal treatment rather than oncological treatment
Research & Regulatory References
iOnco does not endorse, recommend, or discourage any specific treatment decision. This information is for educational purposes only. If you are a cancer patient, please make treatment decisions in consultation with your oncologist and care team. Evidence-based conventional treatment should not be delayed or foregone based on information on this page.