Thought I would share some interesting anecdotal results that I'm seeing from taking a high dose turmeric / curcumin regimen to control my kappa free light chain (FLC) levels.
Last August my monthly multiple myeloma labs began to show an upward trend in my kappa FLC levels after having been stable around 23-25 mg/l since November 2009. In August I obtained a 31.6 reading. In September, it was 43.2. My K/L FLC ratio had risen from 1.6 to 3.5 within a few months -- cause for my concern.
Consulting with my oncologist, we decided that I should try a 15 mg weekly dexamethasone and 10 mg Revlimid 21 day regimen. Earlier in the month leading up to my appointment, I had started a curcumin regimen on my own based on some findings from the University of Texas / MD Anderson Cancer Center which indicated that high dosages are tolerable for a number of months. I had assembled my own high dosage and started taking curcumin in early August immediately after finding out about the elevated level. My doctor was indifferent to me taking the curcumin.
I have continued taking the curcumin and delayed starting my dex / Revlimid prescription (without my doctor's permission) until mid September. In early October, I had another blood test and my K/L FLC ratio had dropped from 3.5 to 3.0 after steadily rising for 3 months.
This drop from 3.5 to 3.0 was attributed to 2.5 months of the curcumin therapy and only 2 weeks of Revlimid / dex. I am assuming that the Revlimid didn't have enough time to have caused the change. Not sure, but interesting.
In another blood test on October 1 the ratio dropped to 2.8 after a continuation of both therapies. On October 31, my kappa level dropped back to 25.6 and 1.9 on the ratio, again with continuation of both therapies. My doctor was hesitant to trust this one data point in so short a time. Another multiple myeloma blood lab on November 7 showed a ratio of 1.7 with a similar kappa level as before, but a slightly higher lambda (still within normal limits).
Maybe a combination effect of curcumin / Revlimid? I don't know. I am continued the curcumin, but have slacked off a bit on the Revlimid / dex. Want to get a few months worth of good FLC ratio numbers before I stop the Revlimid / dex fully. However, I plan to continue some level of curcumin intake permanently.
I know what some might be thinking about me not fully following my doctor's advice / prescription exactly (my mother is one of them), and that is only happening because I want to take a more active role in my therapy and thus far am seeing good results. I have to.
If anyone is interested, I can share exactly what preparations and dosages of curcumin I took. I am interested in other's experiences with this herb and honestly, I admittedly had been reluctant to consider any form of herbal medicine before. However, the research data is what I care about and realize it won't be as substantial as what a pharmaceutical company would conduct.
Also for another discussion, in addition, the dietary intake is very important.
I want to indicate that I am not a doctor, but have educated myself to be fully in tune with my own condition of multiple myeloma and open to new ideas. Sincerely hope this is helpful to someone and God bless.
Forums
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smithwcs - Name: Will
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Apr 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 54
Re: Interesting response to curcumin
You are doing well! How much and what form curcumin do you take?
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Arixonan
Re: Interesting response to curcumin
The following article indicates dosages used with the study participants:
"Curcumin And Multiple Myeloma: Preclinical And Early Clinical Studies Are Promising; Still Awaiting More Clinical Evidence," The Myeloma Beacon, Feb 17, 2010
Apparently, one of the challenges of curcumin and a lot of herb based medicines is to actually get the active ingredient past the liver. High dosages don't guarantee that the curcumin would actually get into the bloodstream by itself. There are 3 preparations to consider to improve the bioavailability based on what I researched:
1) 95% standardized curcumin with Bioperine
2) Curcumin Phytosome with Meriva
3) Turmeric/Curcumin in food with cooking oil added
The dosages and preparations that I am taking are as follows:
1) 3 - 900 mg capsules of 95% standardized curcumin with Bioperine twice a day
2) 3- 500 mg capsules of curcumin phytosome with Meriva twice a day
I would take the 6 capsules with a sip of extra virgin olive oil in the morning and night.
For me, these dosages were very tolerable in the short term with no side effects and for others that I read about on the internet that have done a similar thing. The sip of the olive oil is my idea since I don't have the time or inclination to cook eastern Indian food with lots of turmeric. As an added benefit, olive oil has a high anti inflammatory factor which benefits a good anti-cancer diet. according to Perricone and others.
http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fats-and-oils/509/2.
Currently, I'm experimenting with hemp seed oil which also looks promising.
In another month or two, I am thinking about backing down to a maintenance level to just 2-3 900 mg capsules of the standardized curcumin with a sip of oil. I am also planning to stop taking the Revlimid in another month as well. I will be closely watching my FLCs every month. Of course this assumes that my K/L ratio stays around the normal range.
Good luck to you and others who might try a similar thing and let us know how its working.
"Curcumin And Multiple Myeloma: Preclinical And Early Clinical Studies Are Promising; Still Awaiting More Clinical Evidence," The Myeloma Beacon, Feb 17, 2010
Apparently, one of the challenges of curcumin and a lot of herb based medicines is to actually get the active ingredient past the liver. High dosages don't guarantee that the curcumin would actually get into the bloodstream by itself. There are 3 preparations to consider to improve the bioavailability based on what I researched:
1) 95% standardized curcumin with Bioperine
2) Curcumin Phytosome with Meriva
3) Turmeric/Curcumin in food with cooking oil added
The dosages and preparations that I am taking are as follows:
1) 3 - 900 mg capsules of 95% standardized curcumin with Bioperine twice a day
2) 3- 500 mg capsules of curcumin phytosome with Meriva twice a day
I would take the 6 capsules with a sip of extra virgin olive oil in the morning and night.
For me, these dosages were very tolerable in the short term with no side effects and for others that I read about on the internet that have done a similar thing. The sip of the olive oil is my idea since I don't have the time or inclination to cook eastern Indian food with lots of turmeric. As an added benefit, olive oil has a high anti inflammatory factor which benefits a good anti-cancer diet. according to Perricone and others.
http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fats-and-oils/509/2.
Currently, I'm experimenting with hemp seed oil which also looks promising.
In another month or two, I am thinking about backing down to a maintenance level to just 2-3 900 mg capsules of the standardized curcumin with a sip of oil. I am also planning to stop taking the Revlimid in another month as well. I will be closely watching my FLCs every month. Of course this assumes that my K/L ratio stays around the normal range.
Good luck to you and others who might try a similar thing and let us know how its working.
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smithwcs - Name: Will
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Apr 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 54
Re: Interesting response to curcumin
A Revlimid 25mg with dexamethasone therapy can work very good and quickly within weeks. I'm not sure that curcumin is responsible for the drop of the kappa light chain levels and ratio.
Maybe that Revlimid together with curcumin has an synergy effect.
But anyway it works - that´s important!
Rudi
Maybe that Revlimid together with curcumin has an synergy effect.
But anyway it works - that´s important!
Rudi
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Rudi52
Re: Interesting response to curcumin
Shortly after being diagnosed I found out about curcumin. My first FLC test showed my kappa at 89. After 3 months of taking 8 grams of Doctors Best Curcumin C3 Complex that number went down to 64.
I recently switched to 500 grams of Mervia SR twice a day thinking the time released curcumin would be better. After 3 weeks my last test showed that my Kappa number increased. I'll be going back to 8 grams per day of the Doctors Best.
I recently switched to 500 grams of Mervia SR twice a day thinking the time released curcumin would be better. After 3 weeks my last test showed that my Kappa number increased. I'll be going back to 8 grams per day of the Doctors Best.
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Stan W. - Name: Stan
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: SMM-April 2012
- Age at diagnosis: 58
Re: Interesting response to curcumin
My initial results were that my kappa FLC dropped but the M protein rose while taking 6-8 capsules of Vitacost Turmeric Extract with Bioperine (2caps = 1,160mg)
There is a quick response with the curcumin. I have never started Revlimid or any other treatment.
Doubt that curcumin will result in 'complete response' but used to keep the FLC conditon at bay.
Now using Physicians Naturals enteric coated with Vitacost (above) and, if not taking with meal with oil, I will also take 1 EPA / DHA. I like the enteric coated. It is easier on the stomach.
Just read the recent information about Chinese Skullcap. If it helps with allergies and makes you sleep better, I'm all for it.
Will report in future if I think the curcumin is REALLY helping. Only time and future vein punctures will tell. So far my bloodwork has not revealed any genetic abnormalities. So cant say that I have aggressive disease. Again only time will tell.
There is a quick response with the curcumin. I have never started Revlimid or any other treatment.
Doubt that curcumin will result in 'complete response' but used to keep the FLC conditon at bay.
Now using Physicians Naturals enteric coated with Vitacost (above) and, if not taking with meal with oil, I will also take 1 EPA / DHA. I like the enteric coated. It is easier on the stomach.
Just read the recent information about Chinese Skullcap. If it helps with allergies and makes you sleep better, I'm all for it.
Will report in future if I think the curcumin is REALLY helping. Only time and future vein punctures will tell. So far my bloodwork has not revealed any genetic abnormalities. So cant say that I have aggressive disease. Again only time will tell.
Re: Interesting response to curcumin
Hi there,
Do any of you that take curcumin have any history of cardiovascular problems? My husband's cardiologist is reluctant to allow hubby to take it as he fears it may interfere with his heart meds. I'd love to hear any experience you might have with this.
Thanks!
Betsy
Do any of you that take curcumin have any history of cardiovascular problems? My husband's cardiologist is reluctant to allow hubby to take it as he fears it may interfere with his heart meds. I'd love to hear any experience you might have with this.
Thanks!
Betsy
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Betsy
Re: Interesting response to curcumin
Hi Betsy,
Not sure about interactions between heart meds and curcumin. Maybe inquire with your doctor specifically to isolate which heart meds may have an adverse reaction to curcumin. Even a low dosage might be something to consider if your doctor agreed and was willing to monitor.
There is evidence from various sources that curcumin may have benefits for the heart. Like most research with alternative therapies, there is far less funding for research than with pharmaceuticals. However, the small studies that I have seen for curcumin, there seems to be some indication that there are cardiovascular benefits due to its anti inflammatory qualities. And this can be further improved by adding a good monounsaturated or polyunsaturated oil in combination.
I do know in my case, in addition to a drop in my kappa light chains, I have seen a major improvement in my blood lipids based on my annual physical from a couple months ago. My triglycerides, LDL (bad cholesterol), and total cholesterol have all dropped to the normal range. And my HDL (good cholesterol) almost doubled, which was a big surprise.
Not sure about interactions between heart meds and curcumin. Maybe inquire with your doctor specifically to isolate which heart meds may have an adverse reaction to curcumin. Even a low dosage might be something to consider if your doctor agreed and was willing to monitor.
There is evidence from various sources that curcumin may have benefits for the heart. Like most research with alternative therapies, there is far less funding for research than with pharmaceuticals. However, the small studies that I have seen for curcumin, there seems to be some indication that there are cardiovascular benefits due to its anti inflammatory qualities. And this can be further improved by adding a good monounsaturated or polyunsaturated oil in combination.
I do know in my case, in addition to a drop in my kappa light chains, I have seen a major improvement in my blood lipids based on my annual physical from a couple months ago. My triglycerides, LDL (bad cholesterol), and total cholesterol have all dropped to the normal range. And my HDL (good cholesterol) almost doubled, which was a big surprise.
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smithwcs - Name: Will
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Apr 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 54
Re: Interesting response to curcumin
Hi Will,
Thanks for the additional background. I'm going to print this page and take it to our doc. Hubby's also on Velcade so I want to make sure we don't accidentally inhibit his treatment!
I appreciate the help!
Betsy
Thanks for the additional background. I'm going to print this page and take it to our doc. Hubby's also on Velcade so I want to make sure we don't accidentally inhibit his treatment!
I appreciate the help!
Betsy
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Betsy
Re: Interesting response to curcumin
A nurse has recommended curcumin for my husband. He is high risk and his cells have been very, very resistant to all chemos used. I wanted to ask a couple of questions to the previous users posting here.
1. Are you still alive? ( I guess it is kind of hard to answer with a no and I am hoping for a yes)
2. Are you high risk?
3. Did this continue to work successfully for you?
1. Are you still alive? ( I guess it is kind of hard to answer with a no and I am hoping for a yes)
2. Are you high risk?
3. Did this continue to work successfully for you?
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