Conditions

Leukemia

Leukemia involves the production of abnormal white blood cells that do not function like normal cells, do not mature properly, and do not die off in a normal fashion. Leukemia affects both children and adults, although certain forms are most common in particular age groups.

There are many different types of leukemia, categorized by type and by whether they are chronic or acute.

No one knows exactly what causes leukemia. Studies suggest that the following risk factors may play a part in the development of leukemia:

• Genetics
• Viruses
• Toxic chemical exposure
• Heredity
• Radiation exposure
• Chronic viral infections
• Age
• Down Syndrome
• Exposure to human T-cell lymphotropic virus 1
• Use of commercial hair dyes
• Alkylating agents
• Certain cancer therapies
• Environmental exposure to benzene or radon.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Pallor
• Weight loss
• Shortness of breath
• Easy bruisability
• Bleeding (e.g., hemorrhage, petechiae)
• Repeated infections
• Bone pain
• Abdominal pain
• Excessive sweating
• Slow-healing cuts
• Enlarged liver or spleen
• Swollen lymph nodes

Diagnosis:

Your doctor will want full lab work done on a blood sample. He or she will also want to review your complete medical history (including that of your immediate family) and risk factors. You may also be hospitalized for other testing.

Treatment Options:

While there is no known cure, transfusions, chemotherapy, and bone marrow transplants are often effective treatments. Newer treatments include stem cell transplant, umbilical cord blood cell transplant, infusion of cell-specific antibodies, and biological therapy.

Traditional Treatments:

Traditional treatments centers on trying to slow the progression of the disease. There are a variety of drugs that are used for this purpose with limited success. Often the only function treatments can serve is to help combat infections, to which patients with leukemia are prone.

Blood transfusions and bone marrow transplants have seen some success in extending the life of a patient. However, these treatments are short-term in effect.

New research is offering hope that an effective treatment (and possible cure) may be developed.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies:

Nutritional and herbal therapies may be helpful in slowing the progression of leukemia as well as lessening the severity of the disease process. In addition, complementary therapies may reduce side effects of conventional treatments.

Nutritional Supplementation:

• The bioflavonoid quercetin has been found in numerous studies to have anti-leukemia properties. Follow label directions.
• Genistein has shown positive effects in destroying leukemia cells in laboratory tests. Follow label directions.
• Take 25,000 IU daily of Vitamin A: 800 IU daily of vitamin E, 3 to 6g daily of vitamin C, and 200 to 400 mcg daily of selenium. These antixoidants may decrease side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.
  Warning: If you have high blood pressure, limit your intake of supplemental vitamin E to a total of 400 IU daily. If you are taking blood thinners consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin E. If you are pregnant, or intend to get pregnant, or if you have liver disease, consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin A.
• Vitamin D may help promote differentiation of cells. Take 400 to 800 IU per a day.
• B complex (50 to 100 mg daily) with additional B12 (1,200 mcg daily) and folic acid (800 mcg daily) for anemia, which often complicates leukemia.

Alternative Therapies:

Use equal parts of the following:

• Red clover
• Blue flag
• Yellowdock - For late-stage disease, substitute greater celandine for yellowdock.
• Poke root
• Tree of life
• Cleavers
• Coneflower

Add 1 heaping tablespoon of the equal part mixture and steep in one-cup hot water for 10 to 20 minutes.

Turmeric has been studied and shown to be beneficial in the fight against cancer.

Periwinkle (Vinca rosea), from which vincristine is derived, and autumn primrose (Colchicum officinale), which contains the cytostatic component colchicine, are two toxic herbs to consider for use under a supervising physician.

General Recommendations:

• Eat onions and use garlic liberally, as it enhances the immune system and is a good cancer-fighting agent.
• Get regular exercise but consult your doctor before trying a new exercise regime.
• Do not take supplemental iron. Excess iron may suppress the cancer-killing action of macrophages and interfere with the activity of lyphocytes.
• Remove known and suspected carcinogens from your life and from your home.
• As much as possible, avoid stress.

Warnings:

• If you have high blood pressure, limit your intake of supplemental vitamin E to a total of 400 IU daily.
• If you are taking blood thinners consult your doctor before taking supplemental
  vitamin E.
• If you are pregnant, or intend to get pregnant, or if you have liver disease, consult your doctor before taking supplemental vitamin A.