Dichloroacetate (DCA)
DCA (sodium dichloroacetate) is an industrial chemical that inhibits pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK), forcing cancer cells to shift from anaerobic glycolysis (the Warburg effect) back to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. This reactivates apoptosis in cancer cells that use mitochondrial suppression to evade cell death. University of Alberta research (2007) sparked enormous interest, with subsequent case reports and small trials showing tumour regression in glioblastoma and other cancers.
Mechanism of Action
DCA inhibits PDK (pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase), which normally inactivates PDH (pyruvate dehydrogenase). By inhibiting PDK, DCA re-activates PDH, increasing mitochondrial pyruvate uptake. In cancer cells that rely on aerobic glycolysis (Warburg), this forces re-activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, restoring cancer cell sensitivity to programmed death signals that were suppressed.
Cancer Types Studied
Protocols & Dosing
Standard Oral DCA Protocol
10–25 mg/kg/day oral sodium DCA in 2 divided doses. Typical cycle: 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off to reduce neuropathy risk. Must be pharmaceutical grade. Combined with thiamine (B1) 500 mg twice daily to reduce peripheral neuropathy.
IV DCA (Clinic)
IV DCA 10–15 mg/kg administered at integrative oncology clinic. Used for patients who cannot tolerate oral DCA or for rapid induction.
NIH / PubMed Research
Links open on PubMed (National Library of Medicine). Research is ongoing — results may not reflect clinical use.
Cautions & Contraindications
- Peripheral neuropathy is the primary dose-limiting side effect — supplement B1 (thiamine) 500 mg twice daily
- Must use with medical supervision — liver toxicity at high doses
- Not FDA/EMA approved — available from compounding pharmacies and research sources
- Avoid in lactic acidosis
- 2-week on/2-week off cycling recommended to reduce cumulative neuropathy
- Do not use in pregnancy
Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your oncologist before starting any alternative or integrative therapy.