Preventive effect of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) on methylcholanthrene-induced soft tissue sarcomas in mice.

The effect of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) on methylcholanthrene (MCA)-induced local malignant sarcomas in mice was investigated. Four groups of mice were given single intramuscular application of MCA at a dose level of 0.5 mg/0.1 ml olive oil for each animal. Doses of 6, 25, and 35 mg vitamin C (VC)/mouse were given to animals of groups B, C and D, respectively. VC was applied in drinking water by intragastric administration 5 times weekly for the first 20 weeks. Animals of group A served as carcinogenic controls. The application of VC statistically prevented the induction of sarcomas in mice of groups B, C and D compared to carcinogenic controls (group A). VC supplementation did not significantly reduce the diameters and weights of tumors. It was concluded that, under the experimental conditions conducted, VC significantly prevented the induction of sarcomas in mice providing a good prophylactic activity; however, it did not achieve a significant therapeutic level.