Low-Dose Chemotherapy

IPT Chemotherapy

Insulin Potentiation Therapy (IPT) is a low-dose chemotherapy approach that uses insulin to enhance the uptake of chemotherapy drugs by cancer cells. This allows effective treatment at significantly lower doses, reducing the burden of side effects.

Overview

What Is IPT Chemotherapy?

IPT chemotherapy works on the principle that cancer cells have a much higher number of insulin receptors than healthy cells. By administering a small amount of insulin before chemotherapy, a brief window is created during which cancer cells become highly permeable to medications. Chemotherapy drugs administered during this window are preferentially absorbed by cancer cells, allowing lower total doses to achieve targeted therapeutic effect.

Mechanism

How Does It Work?

The treatment begins with a controlled dose of insulin administered intravenously. Once blood sugar reaches a defined therapeutic level, a fraction of the standard chemotherapy dose is given. The insulin helps direct the drugs selectively toward cancer cells. Blood sugar is then restored to normal with a glucose solution. The entire process is carefully monitored by our medical team.

Indications

What Conditions Does It Treat?

Is CES Right for You?

CES is a gentle, well-tolerated treatment that may complement other therapies. Our specialists will assess whether it is appropriate for your condition

Patient Experience

What Does a Session Look Like?

An IPT session typically takes 2-3 hours, including preparation, insulin administration, chemotherapy delivery, glucose recovery, and post-treatment monitoring. Patients are seated or reclining comfortably throughout. Most patients tolerate IPT significantly better than standard chemotherapy, with reduced nausea, fatigue, and hair loss. Sessions are typically administered weekly or according to the individualized treatment plan.

Research

Evidence & Safety

IPT has been used clinically for several decades. Published literature includes clinical observations, case series, and pharmacological studies supporting the rationale of insulin-enhanced drug uptake by cancer cells. While large randomized trials are limited, the clinical experience of centers like St. George Hospital, spanning thousands of treatments, provides substantial documentation of safety and patient tolerance.

Cross-Department Use

Used in These Departments

Oncology

Learn More About IPT Chemotherapy

Contact our medical team to discuss whether this therapy may be appropriate for your condition.