Overview

Dichloroacetic Acid (DCA), also known as dichloroethanoic acid, is an analogue of [acetic acid] in which two of the three hydrogen atoms of the methyl group have been replaced by Chlorine atoms. It is prepared by the reduction of trichloroacetic acid.

Chemical Description

Dichloroacetic Acid (DCA) is a colorless liquid with a pungent aroma which decomposes when heated and produces toxic byproducts, including [hydrogen chloride]. It is highly acidic, reacts strongly with bases, and is not combustible.

Uses and Benefits

It is used therapeutically to stem the production of lactic acid to treat lactic acidosis. It was used clinically in children to treat lactic acidosis and was found to be well accepted. It also being investigated as a possible cancer treatment.

Health Effects

The health effects of DCA are listed in the table below. These symptoms and treatments are the result of certain exposures and the [carcinogenic] effects are further below.

Use Against Cancer

Tests conducted at the University of Alberta, Canada found that DCA killed lung, breast, and brain cancer cells but nor healthy cells (Coghlan, 2007). Additionally, tumors in rats shrunk substantially when treated with DCA.

The reasons for this reaction is highlighted by Coghlin in the New Scientist:
"DCA attacks a unique feature of cancer cells: the fact that they make their energy throughout the main body of the cell, rather than in distinct organelles called mitochondria. This process, called glycolysis, is inefficient and uses up vast amounts of sugar."

"Until now it had been assumed that cancer cells used glycolysis because their mitochondria were irreparably damaged. However, Michelakis's experiments prove this is not the case, because DCA reawakened the mitochondria in cancer cells. The cells then withered and died (Cancer Cell, DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2006.10.020)."

Michelakis suggests that the switch to glycolysis as an energy source occurs when cells in the middle of an abnormal but benign lump don't get enough oxygen for their mitochondria to work properly (see diagram). In order to survive, they switch off their mitochondria and start producing energy through glycolysis.

"Crucially, though, mitochondria do another job in cells: they activate apoptosis, the process by which abnormal cells self-destruct. When cells switch mitochondria off, they become 'immortal"\', outliving other cells in the tumour and so becoming dominant. Once reawakened by DCA, mitochondria reactivate apoptosis and order the abnormal cells to die."

These findings however are disputed. See Opinion by Ken Lichtenfeld, MD.

Environmental Effects

DCA is harmful to aquatic organisms.

Regulation

External Links

• Safety Tips for Dichloroacetic Acid
  
  
• Dichloracetic Acid on Wikipedia.
  
  
• International OSHA - Dichloroacetic Acid
  
  

References

Ken Lichtnefeld, MD, "DCA: Cancer Breakthrough or Urban Legend?" - An Opinion. From ABC News Online. February, 5, 2007. Accessed 5-14-07.

Andy Coghlin. "Cheap, 'Safe' Drug Kills Most Cancers". NewsScientist.com, February 21, 2007. Accessed on 5-15-07.