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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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Mayo...
Please post the details for the EGCG clinical trial. What was taken, what dosage, how often, phase 2 status, etc. And, where to purchase!
Thankyou
Where can this report be found? EGCG abd Vit D, yes, however, what are the specifics?
I met with Dr. Wang at Mayo yesterday. I asked about green tea in passing; he said the amount that is needed to have an impact on CLL would cause liver toxicity. I didn’t question further as I am just starting my journey with CLL and have information overload. Gotta let things settle a bit.
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5 ReactionsI was on the Mayo study in 2007-08. Maximum dose was 2g twice a day. However many participants (including me) experienced elevated liver enzymes and required multiple dose reductions. Don’t fool yourself that massive amounts of ECGC are safe. If you find it in health stores or online, be sure to have regular blood work done to avoid unintended side effects.
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7 ReactionsThank you. I have read the study and would like to find a non-caffeinated version of the green tea extract. I am currently taking the extract from Costco in a smaller amount but it is caffeinated.
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."
@minnesotajim @tlb I appreciate that you shared your experience with the trial and advice from Mayo experts.
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8 ReactionsDear Valerie, May I ask you where you buy the high concentrate EGCG? I now have to take 20 (300 mg per tablet) tablets to get to 4 mg per day? Kind regards
@sandradonkerduyvis, @mmpopovich
please see my earlier post here https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/799939/
Clinical studies of EGCG were discontinued because of serious and dangerous side effects to the liver. Please discuss with your doctor before consuming large amounts of green tea or high concentrate EGCG.
All information shared by members on the Mayo Clinic Connect, such as messages, images, advice, URLs, and any other material, is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the community.
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4 ReactionsA gentle reminder about the Community Guidelines https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/#ch-tab-navigation
In particular I'd like to point out guidelines number 2.
2. Remain respectful at all times.
- Exercise tolerance and respect toward other participants whose views may differ from your own.
- Disagreements are fine, but mutual respect is a must.
- Personal attacks against members or health care providers are not acceptable. Such posts will be removed.
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4 ReactionsThank you very much for your reply. Kind regards