Therapy involves injection as part of liver treatment, not drinking liquid

A test of a cancer therapy based on baking soda shows promise but is still in the preliminary stages and requires much more research, Chinese scientists say.

The statement came after a heated discussion online about the research, with some netizens speculating that drinking baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, dissolved in water can cure cancer.

The study, published in August by the journal eLife, was led by Hu Xun, a cancer researcher at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University's School of Medicine, and Chao Ming, a radiology researcher at the same hospital.

All 40 liver cancer patients who took part in the trial therapy responded positively, the study reported, suggesting that an infusion of soda before a procedure to restrict a tumor's blood supply could aid the attack on cancerous cells.

The research aroused public attention, with many netizens excited by the prospect that doctors had discovered an effective and cheap cure for liver cancer, one of the most common types of cancer among Chinese people.

"The research is valid, but it's preliminary," Chao said in a statement posted on the hospital's website on Sept 26. "Repeated tests are needed."

The therapy involves injecting sodium bicarbonate into the blood vessels that supply tumors. Patients are not asked to drink it, he says, adding that it is not clear whether slightly alkaline water, such as soda water, is beneficial to the treatment of cancer.

In addition, the therapy only proved effective in patients with liver cancer in the research. Further research is needed to see whether it is effective against other cancers, he adds.

Zhang Yuewei, a radiologist at Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital who has discussed the research with Chao, says the therapy is at an early research stage and that it is intended to improve the effectiveness of the standard treatment for liver cancer, not replace it.

wangxiaodong@chinadaily.com.cn