Natural treatments for AML: What to know

There are no natural treatment options for AML that are more effective than chemotherapy.

Some studies suggest that natural remedies may slow cancer growth or kill cancer cells. However, this research is preliminary and, in most cases, the researchers have examined cancer in a lab setting, rather than in the human body.

Using natural therapies alongside medical treatment can sometimes provide relief from symptoms, or improve a person’s quality of life during treatment.

However, It is essential to discuss natural or complementary therapies with an oncologist before trying them. This is to ensure that they do not interfere with any other treatment a person is receiving.

Plant-based remedies

Traditional medicine practitioners and herbalists use plants and other natural remedies to treat various symptoms, including those associated with cancer. There is no conclusive evidence that plants can cure AML. However, research into potential health-related uses for plants continues.

Some potentially helpful plants include:

Euphorbia formosana

Euphorbia formosana is a cactus-like plant that practitioners use in herbal medicine. No recent research has tested its use against AML.

However, a 2013 study suggests some benefits. In a lab setting, the study found that the extract from the plant root was effective at slowing or stopping the growth of leukemia cells.

Avocatin B

Avocatin B, a lipid in avocados, may slow leukemia growth, according to a 2017 paper reviewing prior research. In a lab setting, avocatin B induced the death of AML cells.

In a 2016 study of AML cancer cells, researchers found that avocatin B could increase induction chemotherapy drugs’ effectiveness.

Feverfew

Research suggests that a chemical in the feverfew plant called parthenolide may kill leukemia cells. However, these studies have primarily looked at feverfew in a lab setting, not a human body, and most research on the topic is dated.

For example, an older 2005 study suggests that parthenolide could destroy AML cells, but not normal blood cells. This study took place in a laboratory, and did not involve human test subjects.

A more recent study from 2017 found that modified forms of parthenolide could kill AML more effectively than unmodified parthenolide. Again, this study observed cells in a lab setting.

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine

Acupuncture draws on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles, targeting specific points on the body to redirect the flow of energy. TCM also uses herbal remedies to improve health. Practitioners have used it for thousands of years to treat a variety of disorders.

A 2017 study found that people who use TCM with more typical AML treatments have a longer survival rate. Researchers need to conduct more research to test this finding.

Some research suggests that acupuncture may improve symptoms of AML. For example, a 2019 study of 60 people with AML who had stem cell transplants found that those who undergo acupuncture require less pain relief medication than those who did fake acupuncture.

The study did not find that acupuncture cures AML. However, it does suggest it might improve quality of life.

Dietary changes

In general, there is no evidence to suggest that changing a person’s diet can offer additional protection from AML. Instead, people should follow safe food-handling guidelines such as washing contaminated surfaces to reduce the risk of foodborne infections.

According to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, some healthcare professionals recommend a neutropenic diet to help people with neutropenia or who are at risk of developing it. Neutropenia is a condition where a person has low levels of a specific type of white blood cell, in turn making the person more susceptible to infection.

This diet involves:

• avoiding raw or undercooked foods
• washing fruits and vegetables
• avoiding soft cheeses
• eating pasteurized foods
• avoiding buffets or other serving options that may contaminate food

Lifestyle changes

Certain lifestyle changes may reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. Smoking is an AML risk factor, so quitting smoking could reduce the risk of cancer coming back.

Exercise can improve overall health and may therefore ease some symptoms of AML. A 2016 meta-analysis of prior studies on exercise for AML found that it improves mobility, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscle strength in people with AML. However, it did not ease mental health symptoms, fatigue, or enhance the quality of life.

Complementary therapies are approaches people use in addition to medical treatments, while alternative medicine aims to replace medical treatment. Science does not support the use of alternative medicine to treat cancer.

Avoiding medical treatment may shorten a person’s life and prolong their suffering, especially if they avoid all medical treatment, including palliative care.

People who wish to stop trying life-prolonging treatments such as chemotherapy may elect to try alternative therapies.

However, they should consult a doctor about medications that may reduce pain, even if they wish to avoid chemotherapy. For example, a person might try acupuncture and avoid chemotherapy while still taking pain medication.

Complementary therapy is the safest natural treatment option since it complements rather than replaces proven treatments.