Nutritional Support for Chronic Myelagenous Leukemia, A Review of the Scientific Literature

Chronic myelagenous leukemia (CML) is a slowly progressive disease characterized by the overproduction of granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils). A blood smear shows moderate elevations in white blood cell counts that may persist for years and be benign. Platelets are increased in number although their function is impaired, resulting in symptoms of easy bleeding (purpura, swollen gums). Conventional medical treatment is a marrow transplant and ankylating agents, which are usually prescribed only during crisis. Several nutritional supplements have been studied for use in CML. These include vitamin A and all-trans retinoic acid (Retin-A), vitamin D3, vitamin E, vitamin B12, Indirubin (from the Chinese herb from Indigofera tinctoria or Isatis tinctoria), and Curcuma longa (from the spice Turmeric). This article briefly reviews the scientific literature for the therapeutic use of these nutrients for CML.