Insulin-Potentiated Therapy (IPT) uses insulin to enhance the uptake of chemotherapy drugs by cancer cells, allowing effective treatment at a fraction of conventional doses — with significantly fewer side effects.
IPT exploits these metabolic differences. A small dose of insulin is administered before chemotherapy, creating a brief period of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). During this window, cancer cells — desperate for glucose — open their membranes wide to absorb any available nutrients. When low-dose chemotherapy drugs are then administered alongside glucose, the cancer cells preferentially absorb the drugs at far higher concentrations than surrounding healthy tissue.
The result: chemotherapy is delivered more selectively to cancer cells, at doses typically 75-90% lower than standard protocols, with correspondingly fewer systemic side effects.
Chemotherapy drugs are administered at 10-25% of standard doses, dramatically reducing the toxic burden on the body while maintaining therapeutic effect on cancer cells.
Most IPT patients experience significantly less nausea, hair loss, immune suppression, and organ toxicity compared to conventional chemotherapy protocols.
Patients undergoing IPT generally maintain their energy, appetite, and daily function. Many continue normal activities between treatment sessions.
Insulin opens cancer cell membranes preferentially, improving drug uptake in tumor tissue while reducing exposure to healthy organs and the immune system.
IPT integrates well with hyperthermia, immune therapy, and other biological treatments. This combination approach is a cornerstone of our oncology program.
Patients who cannot tolerate standard chemotherapy doses -- due to age, frailty, organ impairment, or prior treatment toxicity -- may benefit from IPT's gentler profile.
Immediately after the chemotherapy, glucose solution is administered intravenously to restore normal blood sugar. You are given food and monitored until blood sugar stabilizes.
IV vitamin C, glutathione, and supportive nutrients may be administered to protect healthy tissue and support detoxification. The entire session typically takes 2-3 hours.
IPT requires precise medical expertise and continuous monitoring. At St. George Hospital, our oncology team has over 20 years of experience administering IPT safely.
IPT should only be administered by physicians specifically trained in the technique. It is not a substitute for conventional chemotherapy in all cases, and our team will advise you honestly about when IPT is appropriate and when standard-dose treatment may be recommended.
Often combined with IPT chemotherapy to further enhance drug uptake and activate systemic immune responses against cancer cells.
Focused heat therapy at the tumor site increases drug penetration and chemosensitivity during IPT treatment sessions.
Immune support therapies protect and restore immune function during chemotherapy to maintain the body's natural cancer surveillance.
An additional tumor-targeting approach that uses light-activated compounds to selectively destroy cancer cells.
Wondering whether IPT could be part of your cancer treatment plan? Our oncology team can review your case and advise you.
