anti - cancer compositions containing chiral monosaccharides and methods of their use are disclosed herein . the compositions , exhibiting cytostatic and cytotoxic properties with regard to neoplastic cells are formulated using the l - isomeric form of monosaccharides . a preferred embodiment of the invention employs the l - isomeric form of glucose with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier . the compositions may be used alone or as an adjunct to other forms of cancer therapy . they are useful in combination with all major forms of cancer therapy including surgery , biological and chemical therapies , radiation therapy , and hyperthermia . in addition to increasing the mortality rate of neoplastic cells , these compositions can reduce the metastatic potential of the tumor , and slow the growth of the malignancy .