Dear Dr. Roach: I have been diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia at stage 1, and I am experiencing swelling in the lymph nodes under my arms and in my neck. What are the best natural treatment options, such as green tea extract, and what are the latest clinical trials or research studies that would be applicable? Also, what are the nutritional needs to fight CLL?
N.H.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a disease of the bone marrow, an indolent (slow-growing) type of cancer. It is called CLL when the cancer cells are mostly in the blood, and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) when it is primarily in the lymph nodes. These are different manifestations of the same disease. If the disease is mostly in the lymph nodes, radiation treatment usually is used, even in asymptom-atic early disease. In stage 1 CLL, the condition typically is watched for progression.
For cancer in general, I think that using natural treatments, including a diet designed to help support the body鈥檚 own defence mechanisms, is a good idea when combined with standard treatments that your oncologist recommends. I cannot agree with dietary or supplement treatment instead of treatments that have been proven to work, and I urge you to discuss your desire to consider complementary and alternative treatments with your oncologist. In stage 1 CLL, in absence of recommendations for treatment, it is reasonable to consider complementary approaches.
In the case of green tea extract, a well-done study showed promise in early-stage CLL. This study used polyphenon E at a dose of 400 mg to 2,000 mg orally twice a day. Unfortunately, this compound is not available commercially and is not well-absorbed by mouth. There are supplements available commercially, but, as always, I must warn that these generally are not tested independently.
I found some preliminary evidence about curcumin (turmeric) as a possible treatment for CLL but the research is more preliminary than with polyphenon E. It is possible that the two may be used together. Neither is a cure for CLL, but may slow progression.
Most authorities recommend for cancer patients a diet of mostly vegetables and fruits, whole grains (if any), fish, nuts and legumes but avoid red meat and processed foods. That鈥檚 good advice for most people.
