Effects of Vitamin C and Iron Alongside Cisplatin on HT-1080 Fibrosarcoma Cells
Location
Suwanee, GA
Start Date
17-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
17-4-2026 1:00 PM
Description
INTRODUCTION: Cancer is an invasive group of diseases primarily characterized by the rampant growth and division of abnormal cells that can metastasize. This mechanism disturbs the typical processes of the body, leading to severe illness and potentially death. Although chemotherapy is commonly used to treat many cancers, it can cause significant side effects and is not always fully effective. Ascorbic acid has been studied for its potential role in cancer treatment, especially at high concentrations where it may act as a pro-oxidant. When combined with iron, ascorbic acid may increase the production of reactive oxygen species, which can damage cancer cells.
OBJECTIVE: The study's aim is to test the effects of ascorbic acid and iron on cancer cells using HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells, individually and in combination with the chemotherapy drug cisplatin.
METHODS: HT-1080 cells, an epithelial cell line derived from a 35-year old male with fibrosarcoma, were treated with varying concentrations of ascorbic acid, ammonium ferric citrate, and cisplatin individually, as well as in different combinations. Iron was delivered to the cells as ammonium ferric citrate. Cell viability was measured using the PrestoBlue assay in a 96-well plate. Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was used as a negative control, and Triton X-100 was used as a positive control to confirm cytotoxicity.
RESULTS: We expect certain concentrations of ascorbic acid combined with ammonium ferric citrate to reduce cell viability more than either treatment alone. Administering ascorbic acid and ammonium ferric citrate with cisplatin onto HT-1080 cells would most likely show an even greater decrease in cell viability compared to cisplatin by itself, suggesting a possible synergistic effect. Additionally, at lower concentrations, ascorbic acid and ammonium ferric citrate may not significantly affect cell viability. Experimentation in progress.
CONCLUSION: Comprehensive analysis on the effects of ascorbic acid and iron on HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells is helpful for understanding the role of a reducing agent combined with a transition metal alongside chemotherapy in the cytotoxicity of cancer cells. Further research needs to be performed to analyze the effects of vitamin C and iron in addition to other cancer treatments to provide a targeted cancer treatment and minimize side effects for patients.
Embargo Period
5-29-2026
Effects of Vitamin C and Iron Alongside Cisplatin on HT-1080 Fibrosarcoma Cells
Suwanee, GA
INTRODUCTION: Cancer is an invasive group of diseases primarily characterized by the rampant growth and division of abnormal cells that can metastasize. This mechanism disturbs the typical processes of the body, leading to severe illness and potentially death. Although chemotherapy is commonly used to treat many cancers, it can cause significant side effects and is not always fully effective. Ascorbic acid has been studied for its potential role in cancer treatment, especially at high concentrations where it may act as a pro-oxidant. When combined with iron, ascorbic acid may increase the production of reactive oxygen species, which can damage cancer cells.
OBJECTIVE: The study's aim is to test the effects of ascorbic acid and iron on cancer cells using HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells, individually and in combination with the chemotherapy drug cisplatin.
METHODS: HT-1080 cells, an epithelial cell line derived from a 35-year old male with fibrosarcoma, were treated with varying concentrations of ascorbic acid, ammonium ferric citrate, and cisplatin individually, as well as in different combinations. Iron was delivered to the cells as ammonium ferric citrate. Cell viability was measured using the PrestoBlue assay in a 96-well plate. Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was used as a negative control, and Triton X-100 was used as a positive control to confirm cytotoxicity.
RESULTS: We expect certain concentrations of ascorbic acid combined with ammonium ferric citrate to reduce cell viability more than either treatment alone. Administering ascorbic acid and ammonium ferric citrate with cisplatin onto HT-1080 cells would most likely show an even greater decrease in cell viability compared to cisplatin by itself, suggesting a possible synergistic effect. Additionally, at lower concentrations, ascorbic acid and ammonium ferric citrate may not significantly affect cell viability. Experimentation in progress.
CONCLUSION: Comprehensive analysis on the effects of ascorbic acid and iron on HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells is helpful for understanding the role of a reducing agent combined with a transition metal alongside chemotherapy in the cytotoxicity of cancer cells. Further research needs to be performed to analyze the effects of vitamin C and iron in addition to other cancer treatments to provide a targeted cancer treatment and minimize side effects for patients.