Cantron or Cancell

[tolafson]

Has anyone heard of these supplements that are supposed to "cure" cancer? Just wondering about your thoughts on this.

[Connie B]

If there was a cure, no one would be on this board or any other cancer boards. Buyer beware!!!

[RandyW]

This is NCI's official take on this product!!

General Information

Cancell/Cantron/Protocel, also known by the names Sheridan’s Formula, Jim’s Juice, JS-114, JS-101, 126-F, and "Cancell-like products", Cantron and Protocel, is a liquid that has been produced in various forms principally by two manufacturers since the late 1930s. Reviewed in [1-3] It has been promoted as an effective therapy for cancer and a wide range of other diseases including AIDS, collagen disease, lupus, scleroderma, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, adult-onset diabetes mellitus, emphysema, Parkinson disease, hemophilia, hypotension, hypertension, and some forms of epilepsy and mental illness. Reviewed in [1,3]

The exact composition of Cancell/Cantron/Protocel is unknown. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has listed the components as inositol, nitric acid, sodium sulfite, potassium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, and catechol. Reviewed in [1,2] The original manufacturer also identified "crocinic acid" as a component; Reviewed in [1] however, information about the nature and origin of this chemical has not been provided, and it does not appear to be a known compound. An independent analysis of one formulation of Cancell/Cantron/Protocel found 12 different compounds, none of which is known to be effective in treating any form of cancer. Reviewed in [1]

Before researchers can conduct clinical drug research in the United States, they must file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the FDA. Entelev, which is the original name of the mixture, was assigned an IND number (IND #20258) by the FDA in 1982.[4] The IND currently remains inactive because information about the product’s composition and studies showing its therapeutic effectiveness in animals have not been provided to the FDA. Reviewed in [1] In 1989, the FDA was granted a permanent injunction against both principal manufacturers of Cancell/Cantron/Protocel prohibiting them or their agents from distributing the mixture, which was judged an unapproved new drug. Reviewed in [1]

Cancell/Cantron/Protocel has been administered orally, rectally, and topically. Reviewed in [1] Topical skin application is accomplished by dampening a cotton pad with the liquid and taping the moistened pad to the wrist or the ball of the foot after first treating the area with dimethyl sulfoxide. Reviewed in [1] Cancer patients have also been advised to take bromelain, which is a digestive aid, and to avoid high intakes of vitamins C and E while undergoing treatment with Cancell/Cantron/Protocel. Reviewed in [1,3]

References

1. Questionable methods of cancer management: Cancell/Entelev. CA Cancer J Clin 43 (1): 57-62, 1993 Jan-Feb. [PUBMED Abstract]

2. Cassileth BR, ed.: The Alternative Medicine Handbook: The Complete Reference Guide to Alternative and Complementary Therapies. New York, NY: WW Norton & Company, 1998.

3. Cancell Alternative Cancer Treatment. Available online. Last accessed June 16, 2009.

4. U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.: Complaint for Permanent Injunction: United States of America, Plaintiff, v. James V. Sheridan and Edmund J. Sopcak, Defendants. 21st February, 1989.

[jaminkw]

I'd post the question on cancergrace.org. I know that, if not this, at least similar products have been debunked there as just taking money from vulnerable people. Sorry, wish there was a cure. I'd take it.

Judy in Key West