Clinical Evidence

A phase II study of curcumin and vitamin D in previously untreated patients with early stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL)
Blood 2018; 132 (1): 1875
Despite several treatment options for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), have severe adverse effects and minimal survival. Several clinical studies shown that the phytonutrient ‘curcumin’ disrupt leukemia cell interactions with the microenvironment, induce apoptosis independent of DNA damage, and upregulate vitamin D receptor in malignant lymphoid cells. Thus, the combination of curcumin and vitamin D is considered as safe and effective for CLL / SLL.
Objective:

To evaluate the effect of curcumin and vitamin D in early stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma.

Methods:

This is an open-labelled phase II trial, a total of 35 subjects were received 8 gm of curcumin and 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily, maintained for up to six 4-week cycles.

Results:
  • After a median follow up of 29 months, event-free survival was 72.0% (95% CI 52.1 – 84.7%), 74.1% (95% CI 58.7-89.6%) had not started new chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatment, and overall survival was 100%
  • The most frequent adverse effects were diarrhea/gastrointestinal upset in 69% of patients (14% were grade 3). No serious adverse effects were observed
Conclusion

Curcumin and high-dose vitamin D combination is safe and well tolerated in patients with early stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia.