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Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Study of green tea extract inconclusive
I just want to tell my story about CLL. I was diagnosed in December 2012 with it and my son found your report on a study you had done with EGCG and Vitamin D3. I printed it out and read it and started on those 2 things immediately. I've been taking them every since and I haven't had to be treated for CLL yet. I see my cancer doctor twice a year and have blood tests twice a year and while my white cell count is high, I haven't had to be treated for CLL yet. I'm so thankful for your study and that my son found it and told me about it. I am 76 years old and have had over 8 more years than I thought I would when I was diagnosed and I think you should broadcast to the world about that study. I realize not everyone will respond the way I have but you could be saving lots of lives and helping lots of others to find a way to help themselves. Thank you so much for your studies.
UPDATE FROM THE COMMUNITY DIRECTOR
Mayo Clinic cannot recommend that EGCG be used by CLL patients. Green tea trials haven't been conclusive, and this subject requires more study before doctors can agree on the merits of this treatment.
– Evidence for and Against Green Tea and Turmeric in the Management of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7397615/
"From the reported data, our current recommendation is to avoid green tea, both as EGCG and as an extract, usage by CLL patients, especially those with any history of liver or gastrointestinal disease or receiving CLL-directed therapy. The current research for green tea in CLL has demonstrated minimal activity in terms of objective responses, mostly in asymptomatic, early-stage patients who would not normally warrant CLL-directed therapy by the International working group CLL criteria.44 In addition, the current data support the occurrence of significant adverse events (even with limited exposure) associated with green tea, especially its extracts and EGCG. This is especially concerning when most patients who consume green tea extracts/EGCG are asymptomatic from the perspective of their underlying disease. At present, we could not identify ongoing trials for green tea or green tea extract in CLL patients."
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Also for those with cardiac amyloidosis and AFib green tea may not be recommended due to caffeine content
Sometimes you just get lucky!
I was part of the study from 2007-09. EGCG Dosage started at 2 g twice a day; I was continually reduced until I got to the minimum dosage of 400 mg twice a day. I was then removed from the study. At every dosage the EGCG caused elevated liver enzymes. If you take EGCG be sure to have liver enzymes checked.
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3 Reactions@minnesotajim Do you happen to know which enzymes it elevates? I am an early diagnosed CLL - on watch and wait - and my doctor told me I could take the green tea. I take 2/day and 4/day when I remember to take the second set at night. I usually forget. My last two blood tests had a very slight elevation in ALT that didnt exist before. I have another test the first week of March. Wondering if I should stop the green tea and see if it's normalized? Also, do you happen to know which brand of tea tablets is best? My heme/onc didn't say, and the bottle I have doesn't list the dose of EGCG on it. Thanks!
Both ALT and AST measure liver enzymes. When I was on the study, both were elevated. Since the pills were supplied by Mayo as part of the study, there was no "brand" and I never purchased EGCG over the counter. Definitely talk to your hematologist about taking EGCG. The Mayo team is very familiar with it.
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2 ReactionsMayo Clinic has been very laxed for info referring good medical dialog about CLL.
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1 ReactionHi @eam32 I’m very familiar with the Hematology department at Mayo Clinic and I know that their researchers are relentless in trying to find a cure for all cancers. I’m an AML /bone marrow transplant survivor because of their amazing dedication to finding answers.
I read some of your prior replies and see that your CLL has been fairly stable for a number of years. Is it progressing at this time and are you in need of treatment?
If you’re looking for treatment or a second opinion from Mayo Clinic here is a information to get you started. http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63
Mayo Clinic is currently offering some clinical trials for people with CLL. That may be something you’d like to look into.
https://www.mayo.edu/research/clinical-trials/diseases-conditions/chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia
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https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/cancer/news/mayo-clinic-offers-unique-cll-testing-and-care/mac-20522150
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https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/hematology/tab/cll/
I provided a few more links for you from the Mayo Clinic site. Have you seen these?
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4 ReactionsI'm in good shape so far; no treatments are needed at this time. I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables during the course of the day. I don't smoke or drink any kind of alcohol and move around pretty much. Thank GOD so far so good! EAM
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1 Reactiondiagnosed with cll in april 2016- age 62- began immediate green tea extract supplement of 5,000 mg of EGCG daily-took 10,000 mg green tea extract capsules to get this amount of EGCG. 6 years later, no treatment, bloodwork every 3 months,my wbc has gone from 22,000 to 35,000-everything else stable- this therapy/treatment should be shouted from the rooftops-should this even be called leukemia if it can be controlled by green tea ?
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4 ReactionsQuestion: Which "product" is safe to take and at what level/strength?
I was just diagnosed with SLL.
Thank you.
m.
Go see a CLL expert hematologist. Don’t mess with EGCG without expert advice.
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4 Reactions