- Patients who smoke tobacco products will not be allowed to participate. Of note, patients who continue or begin to smoke are not allowed to continue with the protocol because we are unable to achieve elevation of the plasma vitamin C level to the desired 400 mg/dL. (Unless 400 mg/dL plasma level is achieved, there is no (presumed) chemotherapeutic action of the high-dose intravenous ascorbate). The inability to achieve the desired plasma level of ascorbate is presumably related to increased oxidative stress from the smoking itself. Patients will be clearly made aware of the possibility of coming off of protocol if they smoke. We will monitor cotinine levels (nicotine metabolite) in suspected smokers.