Methylene blue
Methylene blue is a special dye that generates and increases oxygen levels in tumors. After being injected into the bloodstream, it accumulates in the tumor, where it interacts with the cancer cells, which have high levels of a molecule called NADH. This interaction causes it to reduce to its colorless form, Leucomethylene blue, in the tumor microenvironment and becomes a powerful catalyst that helps to increase oxygen levels in the tumor. As cancer cells bloom in low-oxygen surroundings, increasing oxygen levels make it harder for them to live on. This rise in oxygenation level makes cancer cells more susceptible to radiation & chemotherapy.
Source: MACSEN LABS
Studies
Ovarian cancer
This 2023 study says:
In conclusion, this study provides crucial insights into the potential of methylene blue-guided metabolic therapy for treating ovarian cancer. The results underscore the promise of metabolic therapy in reducing tumor growth by addressing the mitochondria redox potential, akin to its role as an oxidative agent in bacterial diseases. However, there is a pressing need for further investigations into the specific impact of methylene blue on apoptotic signaling and metabolic pathways within cancer cells. These molecular mechanisms must be thoroughly elucidated to optimize the application of metabolic therapy and enhance the treatment outcomes, particularly in the context of chemoresistant ovarian cancers. The potential development of targeted metabolic strategies based on these findings opens avenues for significant advancements in cancer treatment by remotely modulating mitochondrial activity, inverting their embryonic-like redox potential, and inducing controlled apoptosis, reminiscent of the principles seen in photodynamic therapy
Oral Mucosis pain relief
This study says:
Oral mucositis (OM) in patients receiving cancer therapy is thus far not well managed with standard approaches. We aimed to assess the safety and effectiveness of methylene blue (MB) oral rinse for OM pain in patients receiving cancer therapy.
Results
Sixty patients (mean age 43, range 22–62 years) completed the study. Compared with those who received CTx alone, those who received MB had a significant reduction of pain scores at day 2 of treatment …and reduction of oral function burden scores…No serious adverse events were noted, but eight patients reported burning sensation of the oral cavity with the first dose, and this caused one patient to discontinue therapy.
Conclusions
MB oral rinse showed significant pain reduction and improved oral functioning with minimal adverse effects.
Photodynamic therapy with Methylene Blue
This Systematic Review of 10 studies concluded:
The results of the systematic review support the suggestions that photodynamic therapy with methylene blue helps against different types of cancer, including colorectal tumor, carcinoma, and melanoma. In cases of nanopharmaceutics use, a considerable increase of anticancer therapy effectiveness was observed.
Where can I get Methylene blue
It is widely available.