A Basic Therapy Gone Awry

Abstract

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a common household item that has gained popularity as an alternative cancer treatment. Some have speculated that alkali therapy neutralizes the extracellular acidity of tumor cells that promotes metastases. Internet blogs have touted alkali as a safe and natural alternative to chemotherapy that targets cancer cells without systemic effects. Sodium bicarbonate overdose is uncommon, with few reports of toxic effects in humans. The case described here is the first reported case of severe metabolic alkalosis related to topical use of sodium bicarbonate as a treatment for cancer. This case highlights how a seemingly benign and readily available product can have potentially lethal consequences.

Metabolic alkalosis‑an adverse effect of baking soda misuse: A case report and literature review

“…However, further monitoring is necessary to evaluate whether the effect is temporary and investigate its cause. Previously, 2 cases who developed hypotension and required vasopressors for hemodynamic support were reported ( 11 , 12 ). One of them also exhibited a decrease in anesthetic demand ( 12 ).…”

“…Mental state alterations are common in patients with severe metabolic alkalosis. Agitation and confusion ( 14-16 ), dizziness with or without loss of consciousness ( 17 , 18 ), stuttering ( 15 ), obnubilation ( 11 ) and coma ( 19 , 20 ) have been reported. For 1 case, hypernatremic hemorrhagic encephalopathy due to baking soda ingestion was reported, with multiple areas of intracranial and subarachnoid hemorrhage observed on the cranial computed tomography ( 15 ).…”

Can a basic solution activate the inflammatory reflex? A review of potential mechanisms, opportunities, and challenges

“…These changes underlie the most severe clinical manifestations of metabolic alkalosis such as arrythmias secondary to hypokalemia, tissue hypoxia, confusion, seizures, tetany [164,166]. Transitory alkalotic states can occur after oral or intravenous administration of NaHCO3 [167] and there are some case reports of metabolic alkalosis and hypernatremia caused by overdose and negligent consumption of oral NaHCO3 [168,169]. These are critical considerations to inform the therapeutic use of NaHCO3.…”