Dichloroacetic acid, often abbreviated DCA, is an acid analogue of acetic acid in which two of the three hydrogen atoms of the methyl group have been replaced by chlorine atoms. Salts of DCA are used as drugs since they inhibit the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase. Early reports of its activity against brain cancer cells led patients to treat themselves with DCA, which is commercially available in non-pharmaceutical grade. A phase 1 study in 5 patients concluded that DCA was safe, but wasn't designed to establish effectiveness.
DCA was approved for use in Canada in 1989 (as a topical formulation for treatment of warts and for cauterization and removal of a wide variety of skin and tissue lesions), but was cancelled post market.
Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut, United States
University Hospitals Nottingham Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
University of Florida Box 100226, Gainesville, Florida, United States
Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States
Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States
University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States
Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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