In-human activity and pharmacology of homemade silver nanoparticles in highly refractory metastatic head and neck squamous cell cancer.
e17533 Background: Silver nanoparticles (SNPs) show high efficacy as targeted therapy against cancer cell lines, but have never been tested in patient clinical trials. We present the first in-human trial of SNPs in a cancer patient with a dramatic outcome. Methods: Homemade SNP solution is prepared by the patient with online instructions. Current from 3 9-volt batteries is passed across 99.99% pure silver-bar electrodes in distilled water, until the metal content of the water measures 0.09-0.15 parts per million. The manufacturer is a 77-year old male who developed multiple recurrences of nasal cavity squamous cell cancer. Over 2 years he progressed on platinum and taxane based-chemotherapy, radiation twice and 2 surgical resections. Large hepatic and pulmonary metastases were observed on PET, MRI and CT; he was initiated on hospice. Without informing his oncologist he subsequently began manufacturing and consuming the SNP solution. Results: The patient ingested 120 ml daily of the solution for 3 months leading to clinical recovery and complete resolution of cancer at all sites, persisting for 18 months. Electron microscopy of the silver solution revealed bimodal SNP size distributions; 3 & 12 nm. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry showed the basal blood silver ion concentrations of 32 ng/g. One hour after ingesting 60 ml of silver solution it rose to 46 ng/g. Urine showed no SNPs. Toxicities were not noted with this silver solution, with no evidence of myelosuppression, liver or kidney abnormalities on repeated testing. The patient underwent reconstructive surgery with excellent wound healing, and his performance status continues to improve. Conclusions: Ingestion of a SNP solution is associated with complete regression of highly refractory head and neck cancer in the absence of other anticancer therapy. Ingesting silver solution causes a noticeable and nearly immediate rise in blood silver concentration. Urinary excretion is not a major path of clearance from the body. Given these dramatic results that may be attributed to SNP in conjunction with strong preclinical data, further patient testing of SNP should be done to confirm its safety and efficacy in head and neck cancer.