Abstract

Significance: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that has an intricate relationship with cancer and has been studied for more than 60 years. However, the specific mechanisms that allow malignant cells to uptake, metabolize, and compartmentalize vitamin C remain unclear. In normal human cells, two different transporter systems are responsible for its acquisition: glucose transporters (GLUTs) transport the oxidized form of vitamin C (dehydroascorbic acid) and sodium-coupled ascorbic acid transporters (SVCTs) transport the reduced form (ascorbic acid [AA]). In this study, we review the mechanisms described for vitamin C uptake and metabolization in cancer.