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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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@boocat Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place to give and get support.
It's great when we hear a success story. Your post will likely serve as inspiration and/or convey information that may help members like @northbay @81ue @living @craighatescancer @susanlim @rip @faithgirl30 @pghparrothead.
May I ask if you brought this study to the attention of your provider?
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1 ReactionYes, I told him about it but I don't know if he paid that much attention to it. I just feel blessed that it has worked for me and wanted to let Mayo Clinic know how much it had worked for me. I think they need to make it public to all doctors and cancer patients.
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1 ReactionA green tea extract has shown some promise in initial clinical trials for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Laboratory research determined that a compound in green tea extract, called EGCG, can kill chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells. A study of people with early-stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia found that EGCG in pill form reduced some signs of the disease. But green tea trials haven't been conclusive, and this subject requires more study before doctors can agree on the merits of this treatment.
Here's more info about the studies about EGCG and Vitamin D from 2010.
- Green Tea Extract Appears to Keep Cancer in Check in Majority of CLL Patients https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/green-tea-extract-appears-to-keep-cancer-in-check-in-majority-of-cll-patients/
- Vitamin D insufficiency and prognosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia https://www.researchgate.net/publication/47675948_Vitamin_D_insufficiency_and_prognosis_in_chronic_lymphocytic_leukemia
Thank you @boocat for sharing your story back to Mayo Clinic. I assume your CLL was diagnosed at an early stage. I'm glad that you are able to opt for active surveillance and see the hematologist every 6 months for a check in without needing treatment.
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3 ReactionsMy question is: would the green tea extract be beneficial to someone recently diagnosed with CML or does this apply to all cancers
Yes I went to the emergency room for severe back pain which woke me in the middle of the night and came home with a diagnosis of CLL. Thought I was healthy before that.
Great question, would green tea extract provide any benefits to someone with CML?
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1 ReactionHi @me81 and @living, the studies conducted were specific to early-stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and do not necessarily apply to CML.
Here is the statement on Mayo Clinic's website:
"A green tea extract has shown some promise in initial clinical trials for treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Laboratory research determined that a compound in green tea extract, called EGCG, can kill chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells. A study of people with early-stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia found that EGCG in pill form reduced some signs of the disease. But green tea trials haven't been conclusive, and this subject requires more study before doctors can agree on the merits of this treatment."
Before adding green tea to your diet, you should speak with your oncologist.
The study used EGCG and Vitamin D3. That's what I've been taking for 8 years and haven't need to be treated yet for CLL. Praise God!
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1 ReactionGood point Upon! Upon diagnosis with Multiple Myeloma, June, 2019, and my local oncologist told me I could eat anything EXCEPT green tea. He said Green Tea interferes with MM chemo regimes, which are different than traditional chemo. So yes, alway speak to your Oncologist first.
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2 ReactionsI could not determine what dosages of either EGCG or D3 were done on this study. Anyone know? Or recommended brands?
thanks