Summary:
IV ALA is mainly used in integrative cancer care for its antioxidant properties, as a means to stimulate glutathione synthesis, strengthen the effects of other antioxidants (e.g., vitamin C and E), and enhance insulin signaling. In total, seven studies reporting on 46 patients were included in this review: two single-arm studies, two case series, and three case reports. Almost all studies involved patients with advanced or metastatic cancer. IV doses ranged from 300-600 mg, with the most common frequency being once per week. Reported outcomes include managing symptoms and side effects, QoL, tumor response, and survival. Preliminary research from two small single-arm trials in patients receiving platinum-based agents alongside IV ALA reported that half the participants experienced a reduction in the severity of chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy. There is insufficient data to comment on other clinical outcomes. There are some preclinical reports of ALA having possible anticancer properties. Safety data is limited in people with cancer; however, systematic reviews report that IV ALA is considered safe and tolerable in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Overall, there is insufficient evidence to comment on the efficacy or interaction potential of IV ALA in the context of cancer management. More clinical research is needed.