Insulin Potentiation Therapy

About this approach

Insulin potentiation therapy combines insulin with chemotherapy, typically using lower chemotherapy doses than a conventional regimen. Proponents claim insulin makes cancer cells take up more treatment. That premise has not been established as a reliable way to preserve cancer control while reducing chemotherapy. Insulin can cause dangerously low blood sugar, including in people without diabetes. Before agreeing to IPT.

Where it fits: Unproven reduced-dose chemotherapy approach with hypoglycemia risk

Where this treatment is used

MSK concludes that evidence does not show IPT treats or prevents cancer. Small reports or uncontrolled combinations cannot demonstrate that reduced chemotherapy doses work as well as a tested regimen. The amount and schedule of chemotherapy are important parts of the evidence supporting conventional treatment; adding insulin is not proof that those doses can safely be reduced. Insulin’s established role in diabetes management is separate from its proposed role in cancer. Claims of fewer side effects also need to be weighed against possible loss of anticancer benefit. An appropriate comparison would assess tumor control, survival and harms against a relevant standard regimen, with a clear glucose-monitoring and emergency plan. Testimonials do not provide that comparison.

Procedure and practical considerations

The immediate concern is hypoglycemia, which can cause sweating, shaking, confusion, loss of consciousness or seizures. Other glucose-lowering medicines can increase this risk. Chemotherapy can still cause adverse effects even when a smaller amount is used, while an inadequately supported regimen may fail to control the cancer. Insulin administration requires clinical supervision and a plan for urgent treatment of low blood sugar. New neurological symptoms or severe weakness need immediate assessment.

Clinics reporting this approach

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