Ascorbic Acid for Skin Cancer

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase < 1

Sponsor: Center for Biomedical Research, Inc.

Disqualifiers: Previous malignancy, diabetes, immunocompromised

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

Duration: 8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new treatment for squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. Researchers aim to determine if a 30% ascorbic acid solution (a form of vitamin C) is as effective as the current 5% imiquimod cream. Participants will apply the ascorbic acid topically, directly on the skin, twice a day for eight weeks. Eligibility requires a confirmed case of squamous cell carcinoma and overall good health, with no history of other cancers or conditions like diabetes. As an Early Phase 1 trial, this research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to receive this new treatment.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this treatment is likely to be safe for humans?

Research shows that applying ascorbic acid to the skin can safely treat certain skin conditions. Studies have found that a 30% solution of ascorbic acid mixed with DMSO is usually well-tolerated, meaning most people experience no serious side effects. Vitamin C, the main component of ascorbic acid, often pairs with other skin products like sunscreen without causing issues. So far, no major reports of problems have emerged from using ascorbic acid on the skin, making it a promising option for those considering this treatment. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?

Unlike the standard treatments for skin cancer, which often include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, this new approach uses topical ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C, in a unique delivery method. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it involves a direct application to the skin, allowing for targeted action with potentially fewer side effects. Additionally, ascorbic acid is known for its antioxidant properties, which might directly combat cancer cells in a novel way compared to traditional treatments. This innovative use of a well-known compound could offer a more accessible and less invasive option for patients.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for skin cancer?

Research has shown that vitamin C cream (topical ascorbic acid), which participants in this trial will receive, may help treat squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer. One study found it worked as well as, or even better than, imiquimod cream after eight weeks. Another study found it effective for treating both low-risk nodular and superficial skin lesions. Patients tolerated it well, experiencing few side effects. These findings suggest that vitamin C cream could be a good option for skin cancer treatment. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults with biopsy-proven squamous cell skin cancer. It's not suitable for those who've had other cancers, have diabetes, or are immunocompromised.

Inclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with squamous cell skin cancer through a biopsy.

Exclusion Criteria

I have had cancer before.

I have diabetes.

My immune system is weak.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive either 30% ascorbic acid in DMSO or 5% imiquimod cream applied topically for 8 weeks

8 weeks

Initial visit, 4-week visit, 8-week visit

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including a final biopsy

6 weeks

1 visit (in-person) for final biopsy

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Topical Ascorbic Acid

Trial Overview The study tests a topical solution of 30% ascorbic acid in DMSO against a standard treatment (5% imiquimod cream) to see which is better at clearing up squamous cell carcinomas of the skin over an 8-week period.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: 30% Ascorbic Acid in DMSO Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Topical application twice daily of 300ul 30% (w/v) solution of ascorbic acid in DMSO

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Center for Biomedical Research, Inc.

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3

Recruited

80+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7981708/

Complete response of cutaneous SCC to topical treatment ... Clinical use of topical ascorbic acid solution could have both the role as an adjunct to consolidated therapies and as an alternative to them.

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332222000981

Randomized trial of topical ascorbic acid in DMSO versus ... Topical ascorbic acid was superior at 8 weeks, and non-inferior at 12 weeks to topical imiquimod in the treatment of low risk nodular and superficial lesions.

3. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05932511

Topical Ascorbic Acid for Treatment of Squamous Cell Skin ... Objective: To evaluate efficacy of a therapeutic regimen in treating squamous cell cancer, consisting of 30% ascorbic acid in 95% dimethylsulfoxide topically ...

4. jaad.org jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(16)30032-9/fulltext

Topically applied ascorbic acid solution for the treatment ... In this study, we set out to investigate if topical delivery of concentrated ascorbic acid solution is effective to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

5. medrxiv.org medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.13.25337920v1

Topical 30% Ascorbic Acid in Dimethyl Sulfoxide for the ... Conclusions Topical 30% ascorbic acid in DMSO demonstrated promising efficacy and excellent tolerability in the treatment of SCCIS, offering a ...

6. acofp.org acofp.org/news-and-publications/journal/article-detail/vol-16-no-3-fall-2024/vitamin-c-topical-retinoids-sunscreen-in-clinical-practice-essentials-for-family-physicians

Vitamin C, Topical Retinoids, and Sunscreen in Clinical ... Vitamin C may be used with other topical antiaging products, such as sunscreen and tretinoin, without causing adverse effects.

7. jaad.org jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(16)30032-9/pdf

Topically applied ascorbic acid solution for the treatment of ... Although antitumor efficacy of vitamin C has been disputed, results of recent studies suggest reconsideration of its potential role in cancer therapy.