Acquired long QT syndrome and monomorphic ventricular tachycardia after alternative treatment with cesium chloride for brain cancer.

Abstract

Individuals searching for symptomatic relief or a potential cure are increasingly seeking and using nontraditional therapies for their various diseases. Little is known about the potential adverse effects that patients may encounter while undergoing these alternative treatments. Cesium chloride is an unregulated agent that has been reported to have antineoplastic properties. Cesium chloride is advertised as an alternative agent for many different types of cancers and can be purchased easily on the Internet. Recently, QT prolongation and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia were reported in several patients taking cesium chloride as alternative treatment for cancer. We report acquired QT prolongation and sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia in a patient who self-initiated and completed a course of cesium chloride as adjunctive treatment for brain cancer.

• Authors: Anuj K Dalal, John D Harding, Ralph J Verdino
• Journal: Mayo Clinic proceedings (Mayo Clin Proc) Vol. 79 Issue 8 Pg. 1065-9 (Aug 2004) ISSN: 0025-6196 [Print] England
• PMID: 15301336 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Chlorides
• Cesium
• cesium chloride

Topics

• Adult
• Brain Neoplasms (complications, therapy)
• Cesium (metabolism, poisoning)
• Chlorides (metabolism, poisoning)
• Complementary Therapies (adverse effects)
• Electric Countershock
• Electrocardiography
• Emergency Treatment (methods)
• Female
• Glioblastoma (complications, therapy)
• Humans
• Hypokalemia (chemically induced)
• Internet
• Long QT Syndrome (chemically induced, complications, diagnosis, metabolism)
• Magnesium Deficiency (chemically induced)
• Metabolic Clearance Rate
• Seizures (chemically induced)
• Self Medication (adverse effects)
• Syncope (chemically induced)
• Tachycardia, Ventricular (chemically induced, complications, diagnosis, metabolism)
• Time Factors