C-B-D Enhances Velcade (BORT)

Hi Cindy-

Studies only report “cannabinoids” that enhance the efficacy of velcade. And CBD contains cannabinoids though at very different percentages depending on the strain, dose, etc. If you are comfortable taking a few drops of a high percentage cannabinoids oil, consider nightly dosing before bed as cannabinoids also have been shown to reduce anxiety as well as build bone health.

Good luck,

David Emerson

Hi Sheila-

I can’t recommend a brand only because I don’t know what state you live in. However, according to research, it is the percentage of cannabinoids IN the CBD oil that makes it most effective to enhance proteasome inhibitors (velcade), bone health, anxiety management.

The CBD oil sold over the internet aka nationally is made from industrial hemp therefor has a low percentage of cannabinoids.

I have no experience with gummies.

Hope this helps.

David Emerson

Hi Claudia-

Where can you purchase CBD oil? If you live in a state that has legalized medical marajuana then you can go to a dispensary. If not, you can go online and search “CBD oil.” I will email you the cannabis guide.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

David Emerson

Hi Sandi-

I replied to you via your email address.

David Emerson

Hi Christi-

I receive similar questions from MM patients and CBD, curcumin, even olive oil and how to either kill their mm or enhance the efficacy of their chemo. Unfortunately, the studies I research citing these non-conventional therapies often do not specify dosing or specific formulas. I have linked a blog post that includes some relavant research below.

https://peoplebeatingcancer.org/cannabidiol-cbd-as-multiple-myeloma-therapy/

Let me know if you have any questions.

David Emerson

Hi Spiro-

I replied directly to you just now via your email address.

David Emerson

Hi Sue-

“Safe” is a relative term when talking about MM therapies. Lots of MM survivors have undergone CAR-T therapy and reached remission. The issues are side-effects (serious), length of remission (1-2 years) and possible alternatives to compare to.

I will email you the cannabis guide.

David Emerson

Hi Carmel-

Each state differs in availability of CBD in general as well as strains in particular. Therefore, a specific dose would depend on cannabinoids, the IN the CBD oil. Studies I’ve read talk about “time and dose dependent manner” meaning start slow and gradually build up. I wish
I could provide more info.

David Emerson

Hi Carmel-

Studies cite CBD, curcumin, other supplements as enhancing the efficacy of proteasome inhibitors (velcade, Kyprolis (carfilzomib), and Ninlaro (ixazomib). Pomalidomide is a class of chemo called immunomodulator in the same family as thalidomide, lenalidomide. the only nutritional supplement that I have found to enhance is curcumin-

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fonc.2021.675923/full

There may be other integrative therapies for pomalidomide, I just have never found any.

David Emerson

Good luck,

Hi Vonda-

Yes, CBD oil (cannabinoids) have been shown to enhance the efficacy of velcade/bortezomib. Further, cannabis has been shown to heal bone fractures, ease anxiety and possibly kill MM cells. The research is thin about that last finding.

Good luck and let me know if you have any questions.

Hang in there,

David Emerson

Hi Nira-

I believe you are asking two basic questions below. I cannot speak to any cost/expense issues.

Could I treat my condition with CBD oil, supplements and diet alone, avoiding conventional treatments?
Does Lenalidomide/Revlimid cause peripheral neuropathy? Yes, CIPN is a common side effect of this drug. Please see the study linked below.

Further, Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a common symptom of MGUS. As the study below explains, chemotherapy could cause your PN to become more severe.

As for your first question, two related but separate issues.

First, MGUS is not cancer. At this stage, in my opinion, chemotherapy could cause more problems that it will solve. Conventional chemotherapy treatment may well hinder your stated goal of playing the piano, recording, etc.

Secondly, yes, according to research, non-conventional therapies such as CBD oil, curcumin, antiangiogenic foods, etc. may manage your MGUS for years. These evidence-based, non-toxic therapies may give you the quality-of-life you would like without the risk of side effects caused by chemotherapy.

You can always choose to treat your monoclonal proteins if you progress to SMM or full MM. MGUS is not SMM or MM.

Hi Paul-

I will reply to you directly via email.

thanks,

David Emerson

Hi Staci-

The short answer to your question is that one doesn’t know which CBD oil is best for MM. The longer answer is that, according to studies, it is cannabinoids IN the CBD oil that synergize with and enhance Velcade/bortezomib. If CBD for medical use is legal in your state or country, the goal is to find a dispensary that carries a strain of CBD with a high percentage of cannabinoids (10%-20% perhaps) and a percentage of THC, the component that makes you high, that you can handle.

Examples of what I am talking about are listed in this blog post.

https://peoplebeatingcancer.org/5-high-cannabinoid-percentage-c-b-d-oil-strains-for-multiple-myeloma/

Hope this helps-

David Emerson

Hi Rick-

Several things. According to limited research, CBD aka cannabinoids reduce anxiety, build bone health, and can reduce bone pain. However, when you say “best for MM” my guess is that you are asking about the ability for cannabinoids to kill MM cells.

If so, understand that research is limited on this issue. There are studies that maintain the cannabinoids do enhance the ability of Velcade (bortezomib) as a mm chemotherapy.

All to say, the best spectrum CBD strength is the strain in your local dispensary with the highest percentage of cannabinoids. That percentage should be above 10% maybe to 20%.

I hope this helps.

David Emerson

Hi Steve-

The challenge with trying to dose CBD oil is that all strains have different percentages of cannabinoids IN them. It is the cannabinoids that are apoptotic to MM, and synergize with Bortezomib. There are several other nutritional supplements that have been shown to fight MM such as the type of mushroom discussed in the link below, curcumin, others.

Multiple Myeloma Therapy- Medical Mushrooms-

Do you know your m-spike monoclonal proteins) and freelight chains? Those two diagnostic markers have been shown to be prognosticators.

David Emerson

Hey JP- I replied to you directly via email.

David

Hi Nadine- I replied to your email address directly.

David

Hi Jaquelyn,

Difficult to dose CBD oil because each strain contains different percentages of cannabinoids and THC. The people I talk to taking CBD oil start slow with one or two drops under their tongue before bed and increase as they see fit.

David Emerson

HI Amber- I replied to your questions directly via email.

David Emerson

Hi Nicketa-

Several issues. The research that I rely on to write the blog posts that MM patients read do not name specific brands. All I know is that MM patients must find the CBD oil with the highest % of cannabinoids possible.

CBD oil purchased over the internet is, by law, very low % of cannabinoids. Cannabinoids, according to research, is what is cyotoxic to MM. You are better off, if you live in a state where medical marijuana is legal, of going to a dispensary and buying a strain of CBD oil with a high % of cannabinoids and a low % of THC.

All state, all discpensaries offer different stains. If your state has not legalized CBD oil then you must go online.

I am sorry I can’t be more specific.

David Emerson

Hi Allen,

I will begin by stating my assumptions based on your post.

1) You have been diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM)- this is your “blood bone cancer?”

2) The “Chemotherapy” that you say you’ve been on is your induction therapy?

3) When you say “bone marrow removal” are you talking about “harvesting” your stem cells in preparation of an autologous stem cell transplant?

And finally, a friend told you to take CBD oil. Several things-

First, you are correct, a common symptom of multiple myeloma is kidney damage. See the link below- a chemotherapy regimen called velcade may be able to restore kidney function.

Second, as for CBD oil and your kidney function- yes, CBD oil has been shown to be cytotoxic (kill) MM and can enhance the efficacy of velcade. However, I cannot find a clear answer as to possible effects of CBD oil on the kidneys.

https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ACYBGNR2LhE3HGq4GdkFLMr_AgUDPR-qgw:1575213743753&q=is+cbd+oil+safe+for+dialysis+patients&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwio4JC94JTmAhUP-
6wKHRHFCA8Q1QIoA3oECAwQBA&biw=1321&bih=789

As for non-toxic therapies for kidney health, please see the article linked below-

Innovative Strategies to Combat Kidney Disease

To summarize, consider and talk to your oncologist about velcade, non-toxic kidney therapies (milk thistle, resveratrol, etc.) even lifestyle therapies such as water. I guess what I’m saying is that you must manage both your MM and your kidneys at the same time.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Hang in there,

David Emerson

Hi Corina,

The challenge with CBD oil and MM today is that each state in the US has different regulations and each state has different cannabis dispensaries that carry different CBD strains and each strain can have a different percentage of cannabidiol.

My point is the study linked in the blog post that you came in on documents the property of CBD to integrative and or synergies with Velcade (bortezomib). I cannot give you info beyond that fact.

My recommendation is to buy a type or strain of CBD oil from a reputable/trustworthy source with a high percentage of cannabinoids (15% or higher) and how percentage of THC (the stuff that gets you high) and have your mom put a few drops of CBD oil under her tongue before bed each night. This is the dose and method of dispensing that I am told by MM patients who use CBD oil.

As the same time I encourage you to learn about other evidence-based but non-toxic integrative therapies like CBD. Nutritional supplementation such as curcumin, resveratrol and omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to also integrate with MM chemo drugs.

MM is a difficult blood cancer. Conventional therapies cannot cure it.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

David Emerson

Hi Bob-

Do you mean “m-spike” when you say that your “paraprotein has gone up to 19%?” Or are you saying that the percentage of myeloma cells in your bone marrow is 19%?

An m-spike of 19 is really high. I don’t think you mean that. An m-spike of 1.9 is okay because it means that your MM is pre-MM not full blown MM.

Likewise, if the percentage of myeloma cells in your bone marrow is only 19% then this is also relatively good because again, it is pre-MM not full blown MM (30% is the beginning of full-blown MM).

Myeloma protein

I will be able to offer more information if you can clarify your situation with me.

Let me know, thanks.

David Emerson

Hi Mark,

I am going to reply to you via your email now.

thanks,

David Emerson

Hi Paul-

I will reply to your post via your email address spmorgs@live.co.uk later this am.

thanks

David Emerson

Hi Lin-

The answer to dosing questions depends on the CBD oil itself- the percentage of cannabinoids IN the CBD oil, (CBD vs. THC), and the strain of CBD oil. If you live in a state with dispensaries you might find a customer service person to help you. If you live in Canada you are even better off.

David Emerson

Hi Leigh,

I’m sorry to learn or your friend’s MM diagnosis. For what it’s worth, there are many members of PBC MM Cancer Coaching who live in Australia. When you register, I will send you an invitation to join the closed Facebook group called Beating Myeloma. You will be able to communicate directly with your fellow Australians in the closed group.

The MM CC program is electronic. Registration will trigger an automatic download to your computer. To order the MM CC program, click the link below. Don’t forget that your coupon code is the word “WEBINAR.” I look forward to working with your friend.

https://peoplebeatingcancer.org/product-category/multiple-myeloma/

David Emerson

Hi Cindy,

I am sorry to read of your MM diagnosis. Kidney damage is a common symptom of certain types of MM, especially light chaing MM. My guess is that your oncologist’s immediate goal is to stabilize you aka put you into remission as quickly as possible. Because dexamethasone (high dose steroids) induce insulin resistance, please discuss possible problems with your type 1 diabetes with your oncologist.

I’m sure that he/she knows about the association between dex. and diabetes. I’m just making sure.

Further, Velcade has been shown to help kidney dysfunction in MM.

Rapid improvement in renal function in patients with multiple myeloma and renal failure treated with bortezomib.

As for your question about CBD oil, several things. The main benefit of CBD oil for MM is to integrate or synergize with your conventional therapy. Cannibidiol has been shown to kill MM itself but the research is thin as this point.

Both CBD and antioxidant supplementation such as curcumin have been shown to enhance the efficacy of Velcade (bortezomib) and revlimid. The type or strain of CBD oil that will integrative most with your chemo depends on where you live. CBD oil online is usually has a low cannabinoid content.

I will link a blog post listing high percentage cannabinoid strains below.

Lastly, I encourage you to “pre-habilitate” now if you haven’t begun your chemo regimen yet. Eating, exercising, supplementing, even putting a drop or two of CBD oil under your tongue before bed each night, all will get you in shape for undergoing chemotherapy. The better shape you are in, the better you will respond. It is the amount of THC in the CBD oil that gets you high. Some people don’t like that feeling. The research is unclear about the percentage of THC in CBD that is most effective for MM.

Five High Cannabinoid Strains

I will email the info above to the email address you included as well.

Let me know if you have any questions.

David Emerson

Hi Ed,

I am sorry to read of your dad’s MM diagnosis and associated health challenges. Renal failure is a common symptom of MM itself and heart damage is often a side effect of specific chemotherapy regimens. I myself suffer from cardiomyopathy caused by my auto transplant in ’95. Muscle weakness can be caused by dexamthasone (see below).

As for “He complains of his waist and lower body hurting” that could be something going on in your dad’s spine.

I encourage you to talk with a pain specialist as well as your dad’s oncologist. The published research about CBD, myeloma and pain is thin. I will link two blog posts on the subject below and email the MM Cancer Coaching guide on CBD oil and Myeloma. As you will se in the CBD guide, I know of no studies that cite specific dosages for CBD and I know of no specific strains of CBD that are uniformly sold everywhere in the U.S.

As you know, medical marijuana is sold state by state and therefore, strains or types of CBD are local or at least statewide. The blog post and guide at least will tell you what to look for in a CBD oil. I’m sorry I can’t provide better information.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Hang in there,

David Emerson

>5 High Cannabinoid Percentage C-B-D Oil Strains for Cancer

3 Things You Need to Consider When Trying to Get the Right Cannabis (medical marijuana) Strains

Steroid myopathy in cancer patients.

“We prospectively evaluated 15 adult cancer patients being treated with adrenocorticosteroids (steroids) to determine the frequency and time course of “steroid myopathy.” Nine (60%) developed clinically detectable proximal muscle weakness that, in six, was severe enough to interfere with activities of daily living. Proximal muscle weakness developed within 15 days in eight of nine patients and was significantly related to the cumulative dose of steroid. Eight of nine patients with proximal muscle weakness, and two of six without such weakness, experienced a significant decline in respiratory function, leading to symptomatic dyspnea in four patients of the former group. In three patients who could be followed for more than 3 months off steroids, there was either improvement or resolution of the weakness and, when present, of the respiratory impairment. Steroid myopathy is a common complication among cancer patients receiving steroids. It can often affect respiratory function even when proximal limb muscles remain strong. Clinical recognition is important since steroid myopathy can lead to increased morbidity and may be reversible with reduction or discontinuation of steroids.”

Hi Aileen,

I am sorry to read of both your mom’s diagnosis as well as all of her side effects. To answer your question, no, I would not encourage anyone over the age of say…75, to have RVd aka revlimid, velcade and dexamethason. In fact, I think your mom’s oncologist did her a tremendous diservice by giving her so much toxicity.

Hang in there,

David Emerson

My understanding was that the standard of care for those newly diagnosed MMers over the age of 70 to only be prescribed one chemotherapy regimen, Revlimid, with low dose dexamethasone.

I think that this lower toxicity regimen would have resulted in much fewer side effects.

You are not being unreasonable to encourage your mom not to have chemo again. Certainly not a triplet such as RVd. But your oncologist can recommend low dose Revlimid and low dose dex. If need be.

Hi Stephanie,

Before I talk about CBD oil, let me make two comments. One is that if your boyfriend is taking low dose maintenance therapy of Revlimid and dexamethasone, several studies cite curcumin as an integrative therapy meaning taking curcumin at the same time will enhance the efficacy of Revlimid. Secondly, the PeopleBeatingCancer MM Cancer Coaching program contains more than 15 supplements like curcumin that have been shown to be cytotoxic to MM.

Re CBD questions-

I assume you meant to type CBD not CPB. The challenge you face is each state or I should say the medical marijuana dispensaries in each state carry different “strains” of CBD oil. Strains are like brands because there are no national companies who test, package and distribute CBD oil. While the research is vague at this point, my understanding is that it is the percentage of cannabinoids IN the CBD oil that affects multiple myeloma.

By comparison, CBD oil purchased over the internet contains less than 2% cannabinoids and I think myeloma patients want a percentage of cannabinoids of 15-20%. THC, the componant that gets you high, is a slightly different issue. You can have a lower percentage of THC and still have a higher percentage of cannabinoids.

I will link a blog post that lists a high percentage of cannabinoids that you may be able to purchase in your state.

https://peoplebeatingcancer.org/5-high-cannabinoids-percentages-c-b-d-oil-strains-for-cancer/

Let me know if you have any other questions.

thanks

David Emerson

Hi Dimo-

I am sorry to learn of your challenges fighting MM. The research of CBD and MM is minimal as far as I know. Dosing, for example, is a part of what is lacking. I am asked your question frequently.

The anserw is that there is no set dose, as far as I know. MMers and surivors of other cancers who supplement with CBD tell me that they start with one drop under their tongue before bed each night. Once they feel comfortable with this starting dose, they increase to two drops under their tongue. And so on.

I wish I could offer more specifics. Good luck.

David Emerson

Hi Raquel,

I am sorry to learn of your MM diagnosis though you have a great attitude. While I have no personal experience with darzelex I know of many MMers who have had success with this MM chemotherapy.

Regarding your dosing of CBD- two issues- the strain of CBD oil that you purchase will vary in its cannabinoid content. This % of cannabinoid will affect the efficacy of the CBD oil.

Further, your dosing will also depend on the percentage of THC in the CBD oil. It is THC that gets people high. According to studies THC enhances the efficacy of cannabinoids and therefore helps us MMers. But some of us don’t like the sensation of being high.

Lastly, most everyone I know who has taken CBD oil starts slowly and words their way up. Meaning start with one drop under your tongue before bed for a few days to see how it goes. Increase from there.

I urge you to consider evidence-based anti-MM nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle therapies as well as conventional therapies.

David Emerson

Hi Linda,

I am sorry to read of your MM diagnosis. To reply to your question, it depends on 1) how elevated your light chains are (both kappa and lambda or just one?) and it depends on what your other blood markers are. I don’t mean to give a vague reply. I’m saying that if your light chains have stayed in a range over the past two years that is, say, 10% above the normal range and your other blood work is normal or also not too bad then you may be managing your MM reasonably well.

You appear to have been reading about CBD enhancing Velcade. There are many MMers who can undergo chemotherapy, bring their MM to a managable level and then experience a good remission through evidence-based but non-conventional supplementation, nutrition, lifestyle, etc. therapies.

Are you experiencing any other symptoms such as bone pain/damage, kidney damage, peripheral neuropathy?

I don’t mean to sound nosy. Just trying to figure out your situation.

Thanks.

David Emerson

Hi Bob-

Some people react negatively to low dose Rev. Yes, CBD oil has been shown to cause apoptosis in MM. It is less about the daily dose and more about what the CBD is made of. Meaning, cannabinoids and THC in a 1:1 ratio is most effective killing MM according to studies. Further, some CBD strains have a higher percentage of cannabinoids than other strains. You want the highest percentage possible.

Medical marijuana accessibility varies greatly by state.

There are a host of nutritional supplements that have been shown to kill MM. I am in remission but I take curcumin, resveritrol, green tea extract, omega 3 fatty acids, DHEA, and grape seed extract- all shown to kill MM. I hope to remain in remission for as long as I can…

David Emerson

Hi Stu-

Studies show that oncologists’ awareness of all things medical marijuana are spotty at best. It also depends on where the MMer lives. I have read that oncologists don’t like it when patients bring internet studies with them to appt.s but I think a patient has to do so in this case.

David Emerson

Hi Deborah,

Please type the word “webinar” into the coupon code box for your $100 discount. Let me know if you have any questions.

David Emerson

Hi Jerry-

The coupon code is the word “webinar.” Type that word into the box when asked. Let me know if you have other questions.

thanks

David Emerson

Hang in there, Craig.

David

Hi Brian-

My email address is David.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com.

David Emerson

Hi Christina-
I believe that adding curcumin to Velcade has helped you manage your MM for these past 9 years. Now let’s focus on the next nine…

The CBD that is sold over the Internet reportedly has very low levels of cannabinoids. Not effective for MM. My understanding is that MMers who want high cannabinoid CBD oil must go to states that sell that product legally. Ohio sounds similar to PA. Medical Marijuana is legal but not yet available.

Please keep in mind that there are a host of evidence-based, non-toxic, anti-MM therapies like curcumin and CBD oil. The complete MM cancer coaching program is outlined in the free webinar on the right of the blog post that you read and if you only want to learn about those supplements that are cytotoxic to MM please click here-

I supplement with curcumin as well and I add 8 of the supplements discussed in the supplementation guide. I have remained in CR since 10/99. Let me know if you have any questions.

Hang in there,

David Emerson

Hi Cate-

I am sorry to read of your father’s MM diagnosis. If you would like to learn more about the MM CC program I recommend watching the free webinar and or reading the intro. I will email both to you after I send this reply.

Your main challenge will be to balance quantity of life with quantity of life. By this I mean that conventional (FDA approved) therapies are designed for MMers under the age of 70. All of the issues discussed in the MM CC program are evidence-based, non-toxic therapies.

I will email the links and documents now. Let me know if you have any questions.

thanks

David Emerson

Hi Charle-

I am sorry to read of your diagnosis of MM. However keep in mind that MM has a long and growing list of both conventional and non-conventional therapies. This is why newly diagnosed MMers are told that their blood cancer is incurable yet very treatable. BTW, it is perfectly normal to be “spinning.”

Also keep in mind that all MM statistics are based on the average MMer which are patients in their mid 60’s. Your young age is an asset. Lastly, your family gives you a “sense of purpose.” Excellent.

I don’t mean to sound nosey but I need a bit more info to get a handle on your situation. What was your stage at diagnosis (!,2 or 3)? Do you know any of your blood specifics such as your m-spike, albumin, etc?

Are you experiencing any symptoms such as bone pain, anemia (tiredness) or kidney damage? Are you considering undergoing chemotherapy as induction therapy or as an autologous stem cell transplant.

All therapies have pro’s and cons. My role as a MM survivor and MM cancer coach is to convey your therapy choices and their pros and cons in a completely unbiased manner.

Let me know. Hang in there.

David Emerson

Hi Tom-

The post about CBD and MM is more of a question and answer with me rather than a back and forth thread. I admin. PeopleBeatingCancer and am a long-term MM survivor and MM cancer coach.

Do you have MM? If so what stage were you at diagnosis? Are you undergoing conventional chemo such as Velcade? Let me know.

thanks

David Emerson

Hu Dhamraa-

I am sorry to read of your MM diagnosis. You are correct that CBD oil can enhance the efficacy of Velcade though there are several other integrative therapies that also enhance Velcade in MM. Further, CBD oil may not be available in Iraq. The key for you to remember is that CBD from Industrial Hemp produces CBD oil will a very LOW percentage of cannabinoids. Here in the US, CBD made from industrial hemp is legal for shipping and selling. However cannabinoid rich CBD oil is NOT legal to ship.

I will email you the MM cancer coaching guide that talks about CBD and MM. If you cannot obtain cannabinoid rich CBD oil then you should look to other integrative therapies to enhance Velcade.

David Emerson
MM Survivor
MM Cancer Coach

Hi Justin-

I am sorry to learn of your grandmother’s MM diagnosis. Your concerns regarding conventional therapies such as radiation are well-founded. The issue for you and your grandmother to think through will be to identify and weigh the potential risks and potential benefits of both conventional therapies such as radiation as well as non-conventional therapies such as CBD oil aka medical marijuana.

What stage of MM was your grandmother at diagnosis? Specifically, is she experiencing any bone damage? Has her oncologist identified any “hot spots” in her bones?

Local radiation is toxic and can cause modest side effects. However radiation can be effective in fixing hot spots or bone damage. Measured use of toxic therapy such as radiation can manage your grandmother’s MM short term so that evidence-based, non-toxic therapies such as CBD oil, omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) etc. can fight her MM long-term.

Further, research has identified non-toxic therapies that enhance radiation while minimizing it’s toxicity. Your grandmother can “prehabilitate” before her radiation if she chooses.

Re your question about research into the benefits of CBD oil, there are several issues that your grandmother should consider. First and foremost, the research specifically into CBD oil (cannabidiol) and MM is minimal. My recommendation will be for your grandmother to undergo several different types of evidence-based, NON-toxic therapies to manage her MM. Secondly, there are strains of CBD oil with NO THC, the psychotropic component of CBD that gets a person “high.”

As you can see from this long email there are many different aspects to your situation. Let’s take things one at a time.

What stage of MM is your grandmother? Is she experiencing any bone damage?

David Emerson

Hi MM Patient-

Can you tell me the stage at which you were diagnosed? What treatment are you currently undergoing for your MM?

David Emerson

I have never read a study about CBD and MM that discussed dosing. I just don’t know. Sorry I cannot be more help.

David Emerson

Hi Corrina-

Great to read that you are doing well. Yes, I know of most but not all of your supplements. I take curcumin. d3, reishi mushrooms, others daily.

Keep it up.

David

Hi Adianna-

I am sorry to learn of your friend’s MM diagnosis. It sounds as though your friend is emotionally depressed. There may be several things going on that effect his mood. A diagnosis of an incurable cancer with bone pain can negatively affect anyone.

Your main challenge will be to simply get him started. Meaning exercise such as walking will make him feel better so he will walk more so he will continue to feel better. Simply feeding him nutritious foods will not necessarily get him off the couch.

My personal and professional experience is that you and your friend need a MM therapy plan. Meaning you both need to understand and think through years of living with MM, not simply think about this week’s therapy. My thinking below will sound self-serving. But this is what I do for my own MM so I believe in it. I will try to be concise below. Please ask me any and all questions.

I am both a long-term MM survivor and MM cancer coach. I believe that your friend must utilize BOTH conventtional oncology AND evidence-based non-toxic therapies such as supplementation, nutrition, bone health, lifestyle and mind-body therapies. All supported by research.

I believe that your friend’s MM is advanced enough that he will have to undergo enough chemotherapy to put his MM into remission. I will provide evadenced-based integrative therapies to manage his side effects.

How old is your friend? Does he have any other health challenges? You mention bone pain. Has there been any bone DAMAGE? Any kidney damage?

Let me know. Hang in there. Please tell your friend that I was first diagnosed in 2/94. Was told that nothing more could be done for me in 9/97. I reached complete remission by 4/99 where I remain today. It has not been easy but managing MM can be done.

David Emerson

I can’t read this. Can you translate any of this into english?

David

Hi Elizabeth-

I am sorry to learn of your father’s cancer diagnoses and accompanying health challenges. In answer to your question, according to the study you read, CBD oil is cytotoxic to MM cells and enhances Velcade. The chemotherapies represented by the letters R-CHOP are extremely toxic. It is no surprise that r-chop causes kidney damage.

I am not an M.D. and cannot prescribe therapy. Stabilizing your dad’s health is your primary goal at this point. While you are stabilizing your dad, I would continue to try to reduce his MM and NHL through non-toxic therapies such as CBD oil and the many anti-oxidant supplements that studies have shown are cytotoxic to MM and or NHL.

I would not be surprised if your oncologist thinks differently about this course of action. I am in no way disagreeing with your Onc. I am simply saying that conventional oncology looks at cancer differently than I do. As your dad’s caregiver you are between a rock and a hard place.

Let me know if there is anything more I can do.

David Emerson
Cancer Coach

Management of Hematological Malignancies in Patients Affected by Renal Failure

rituximab
cyclophosphamide (cytoxan)
doxorubicin (hydroxydaunomycin)
vincristine (Oncovin ®)
prednisolone (a steroid).

Hi Steve-

Several things. First and foremost, at 43 you are well ahead of the average MM patient. All statistics that you read or are told by your oncologist are about 65 year olds. On average, you should do better.

As a long-term MM myself I have come to believe that MMers must look beyond conventional therapies to include nutrition, lifestyle, therapies. I will speak more about this below. Further, I believe that the more you learn about MM, the more confident you will become and the more positive you will feel.

I will list several replies to your questions/comments below. Overall however, if you pursue a combination of both conventional and non-conventional therapies (all evidence/research based) you should be able to live with MM for years to come. Keep in mind that I am biased. My MM experience includes a spectrum of therapies.

Decadron is a powerful steroid. As such a common side effect is not being able to sleep(“I can’t sleep.”) Possible solutions may be to take your dose as early in the day as possible. If that doesn’t work ask your oncologist to lower the dose.
>Decadron side effects–

As the blog and linked study you read indicates, CBD oil has been shown to potentiate or enhance the efficacy of Velcade. As you can imagine, research into cannabis, CBD oil, etc. and marijuana is limited in the United States. Therefore I cannot cite specific studies about CBD and MM or even Velcade. My understanding is that the cannabinoid content IN your CBD oil is what is synergistic with Velcade. Further, I understand that it is THC in CBD (if there is any) that is directly cytotoxic (kills) MM cells.

Please understand that there are several “integrative” non-toxic therapies that research has shown also enhance Velcade. Also some that enhance Revlimid if you ever have to undergo Revlimid therapy.

My point is that MM patients must work with conventional therapies such as Velcade, Decadron, Cyclophosphamide, in an effort to enhance these chemotherapies when possible and at the same time minimize or prevent short, long-term and late stage side effects.

I underwent cytoxan (cyclo…) as well in ’95. I was able to minimize the damage to my bladder.

There are many more issues we should discuss. Have you experienced any PN (peripheral neuropathy)? There are non-toxic therapies to reduce or prevent this common side effect of Velcade.

Lastly, there are evidence-based antioxidant supplements shown to kill MM. There is anti-angiogenic nutrition shown also to kill MM. There are lifestyle therapies and bone health therapies. All that I do or have done as a MMer myself.

I am a MM cancer coach. I work with MMers of all stages, all ages to help them not progress to MM (if they have MGUS or SMM) or remain in remission as long as possible or manage side effects.

If you would like to learn more about me, my cancer coaching, etc. Please go to PeopleBeatingCancerCoaching.org-

My son Alex wasn’t born when I was first diagnosed. For years I wondered if he would have any memories of me. Alex will turn 18 this September. I think my cancer has made me appreciate my son more.

I would like to work with you. Let me know if you have any questions.

thanks and hang in there,

David Emerson

Hi Guiseppe-

Good to know that you are a fellow buckeye. I am sorry to learn of your MM diagnosis. Though it sounds as if you are well ahead of the pack through your pursuit of both conventional and non-conventional therapies.

What, if any symptoms are you experiencing? Regarding your questions about CBD oil and Velcade, I have to admit that I am a product of the studies that are available re MM and CBD. As you can imagine, there is little research of MM and CBD being conducted in the US. The usual discussion on social media on the subject often points to CBD, cannabinoids, industrial hemp, and THC. Less about the questions you ask.

I will say however that there are many anti-oxident supplements that studies have shown are cytoxic to MM and are synergistic with Velcade. I supplement with curcumin to this day.

Curcumin to treat MM-

Curcumin to reduce toxicity of Velcade

Guiseppe, I am a long term MM survivor who coaches myeloma patients. There are a host of evidence-based nutritional, lifestyle, supplement and mind-body therapies that have been shown to help MMers live longer lives with fewer side effects. I have learned through painful experience that conventional oncology is very limited when it comes to MM therapy. People rarely die OF myeloma. They die due to the symptoms and side effects of MM chemotherapies.

If you would like to learn more about what I do please go to PeopleBeatingCancerCoaching.org.

Your one time fee to register is a tax deductible donation to PeopleBeatingCancer, a 501c3 non profit organization. Let me know if you have any questions.

David Emerson

Hi Corrina-

Don’t forget that your Velcade therapy is not all or nothing. You can always reduce your dose. For example if you are taking 25mgs, you can reduce your dose to say, 10 mgs. Or take more days off in between Velcade administration.

Ask your oncologist.

David Emerson

Hi Tina-

I live in Cleveland, Ohio. It snowed here last night. Hawaii sounds pretty good these days…

I am sorry to read of your MM diagnosis. I am glad that you responded well to your induction therapy of velcade and dex. If you are feeling increase bone pain then my guess is that you have come out of remission (“numbers are all elevated”).

According to the study linked in the blog post below, CBD oil enhances Velcade and also is cytotoxic to MM (kills MM).

Cannabidiol (CBD) kills multiple myeloma and enhances Velcade against MM-

The real question is what, if any, actual cannabidiol is in the CBD oil. It is cannabidiol that enhances Velcade and THC that is cytotoxic to MM. Just as important is that there are several antioxidant supplements that studies have shown enhance Velcade. I also recommend anti-MM nutrition and anti-MM lifestyle therapies.

My approach to my own MM is to throw every evidence-based therapy as possible at it. This approach has keep me in complete remission since ’99.

If you would like to learn specific actionable information, please go to PeopleBeatingCancerCoaching.org. I am a cancer coach and would like to work with you to manage your MM.

Thanks and hang in there,

David Emerson

Okay Pino- thanks for the clarification- David

Dear Pino-

Knowing the exact percentages of both CBD and THC in the CBD oil that you are taking is essential- thank you. Many myeloma patients contact me asking about CBD oil as therapy for their MM. If you keep track of your CBD oil therapy I will be able to inform and educate fellow MMers. Thank you very much.

As you may know, THC may have a direct anti-myeloma effects as well. Also, curcumin, omega 3 fatty acids and resveritrol all are cytotoxi to MM cells.

Yes, please keep me abreast of your progress. Thank you again and good luck.

David Emerson

Ikbal-

Your full name and email address will not appear anywhere that can be read by the general pubic.

David

Dear ikbal-

I am sorry to read of your MM diagnosis. Though it appears that you are doing well. When you say “Plazma cyetoma/MM” I understand you to mean that you were diagnosed with a SINGLE lesion or plasmacytoma. A single lesion indicates that your active MM was at a low or reduced stage.

Further, I understand you to say that local radiation to your jaw bone reduced your Mprotein and FLC markers lower. You chose to not undergo chemotherapy at the time for about one year.

About three months ago, last October your m protein and FLC markers began to slowly increase. So you are wondering what therapies, both conventional and non-conventional therapies you might begin to best treat your Myeloma?

The diet and supplementation you outline above (curcumin, cottage cheese, flax oil, smoothies, etc.) are an excellent start.

Based on my experience (what I do) and numerous studies I would recommend the following.

1) anti-angiogenic diet- While the juices and smoothies you mention are excellent nutrition, I have found a specific anti-MM nutrition to be essential.

2) anti-cancer and anti-myeloma anti-angiogenic, antioxidant supplementation- in addition to curcurmin and resveritrol- while resveritrol is a salvestrol and is well documented for it’s anti MM action, I need to research the anti MM efficacy of salvestrols. This class of fruits is controversial as a cancer therapy. I need to confirm before I recommend it.

3) lifestyle therapies shown through research to change genetic expression, or epigenetics-

4) CBD oil has been shown to enhance the efficacy of Velcade but as you point out, CBD oil made from industrial hemp does not. Yes, I can recommend anti-cancer supplements- grape seed oil has been documented to kill certain cancers but not MM.

In short ikbal, there are many therapies, both conventional and non-conventional, for you to learn for use now or in the future. We still need to talk about conventional chemotherapies and if you may undergo them. Some of the supplements I will mention work integratively with anti MM chemotherapy.

If you would like to pursue a formal cancer coaching relationship, please click now to register-

Thank you for your interest.

David Emerson-
Cancer Coach PeopleBeatingCancer

Hi Maria-

I am sorry to learn of your MM diagnosis but six years is a pretty good remission. A longer first remission usually translates into longer following remissions and therefore a longer overall survival.

I will address your specific questions and then offer suggestions below-

1) “The reservitol is it better to have that naturally in like wine or eating red grapes? Or is taking a pill ok?” Getting antioxidants such as resveritrol through foods is always a good idea though a capsule of resveritrol is many times more of what’s needed than a bottle of wine or a bunch of grapes.

2) “And how much CBD do I need everyday?” The amount of cannabinods depends on the strength of the CBD oil. Most CBD brands that you can purchase on the internet have very low percentages of actual cannabinoids. CBD oil made from HEMP has small amounts of cannabinoids needed to enhance enhance Velcade.

3)”And any other supplements that may help me I would appreciate knowing thank you.” Yes, see the links below. All the supplements below either kill MM outright or enhance chemotherapy or both.

Lastly Maria, there are several nutritional therapies, lifestyle therapies for you to consider. I follow these therapies in addition to the supplementation below and I have remained in CR from my MM since ’99. I’m not boasting, just trying to make a point.

Let me know if you have questions. Thanks. David Emerson

Curcumin-

A preliminary study of the effect of curcumin on the expression of p53 protein in a human multiple myeloma cell line.

Resveritrol-

Resveratrol triggers the pro-apoptotic endoplasmic reticulum stress response and represses pro-survival XBP1 signaling in human multiple myeloma cells.

Genistein-

Genistein inhibits the proliferation of human multiple myeloma cells through suppression of nuclear factor‑κB and upregulation of microRNA‑29b.

Omega 3 fatty acids-

Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA induce apoptosis and enhance drug sensitivity in multiple myeloma cells but not in normal peripheral mononuclear cells.

Vitamin D3
Prevalence, Supplementation, and Impact of Vitamin D Deficiency in Multiple Myeloma Patients.

Hi Kathleen,

I am sorry to read of your husband’s MM. I too presented with a single plasmacytoma. Living for 10 years before other signs of MM appear is a positive. Further, the chemo cocktail your husband is taking is linked below. The studies and articles about this regimen indicate that this chemo cocktail is effective for relapsed MM.

In general, yes, your husband’s MM history is a bit unusual. However, your onc. seems to be treating your husband as if he has relapsed which is the norm.

Regarding your question “Can he take the CBD oil. Will it interfere or aid?” There are two issues to discuss. First, the CBD oil for purchase in the United States (where marijuana is illegal at the federal level) is made from industrial hemp. This form of CBD oil aka hemp oil has only a small percentage of cannabinoids that have been shown to be anti-MM. This is my understanding anyway. The CBD oil researched in this study has a greater percentage of cannabinoids.

Secondly, Kyprolis is a relatively new and therefore untested chemotherapy. I have not been able to find studies that talk about CBD interaction.

If your goal is to minimize possible side effects of conventional chemotherapy, please consider antioxidant supplementation such as curcumin, revlimid, omega 3 fatty acids, and genistein have been shown in studies to kill myeloma while reducing chemo toxicity.

I can link studies for you to read if you are interested.

Kyprolis, Revlimid and Dexamethasone

Thanks

David Emerson

Hi Pino-

Happy New Year to you as well. To answer your questions, “how do I know…” Yes, we all had chemotherapy. But you seem to respond well to chemo and your MM numbers appear to respond very quickly. If you keep track of your MM levels, as you say you do every three months, they you and your oncologist decide if you should undergo more chemotherapy.

I don’t follow any single anti-cancer diet. I saw Ted Talk given by Dr. William Li several years ago and I follow his recommendations for a diet to cut off the blood supply of cancer. Click the link below.
https://www.ted.com/talks/william_li?language=en

I too suffer from peripheral neuropathy. This is a common side effects of many chemotherapy regimens. If this side effect is “slowly going away” then you are doing well. I recommend daily moderate exercise (taking a brisk walk daily…) in addition to nutritional supplementation.

click here to read about Alpha Lipoic Acid and PN-

Let me know if you have any other questions.

David Emerson

Hi Pino-

Let first congratulate you for maintaining pre-MM (MGUS) for 10 years.

If I understand your email, you are saying that in January ’15, you progressed to full blown MM when your plasma cells increased. You did not have a formal diagnosis of MM but you decided to start chemotherapy anyway.

Your MM responded well to your induction chemotherapy and your MM has returned to MGUS? Again, if I understand your email you know this because of blood testing?

To answer your question ” I wonder if I can use cannabis oil , curcumin and haughty to keep the situation under control and above all the doses that should be used…”

The overall issue you are asking is referred to the “Cure vs. Control” debate in MM. In short the debate is whether it is best to “control” one’s MM through a combination of chemotherapy and non-conventional therapies such as cannabis and or curcumin or is it better to try to “cure” one’s MM through aggressive high-dose therapy such as an ASCT.

Though I do not know enough about you and your MGUS to be able to recommend dosages I can say that yes, you can “control” your MGUS through non-conventional therapies such as cannabis, curcumin, resveritrol, omega 3 fatty acids, frequent, moderate exercise, anti-MM nutrition, and other therapies to try to manage your MM.

Let me add that it is important to undergo regular MM testing (which is seems as though you already do) in order to keep an eye on your MM levels. It is possible that you may want to undergo conventional chemotherapies from time to time in order to manage your MM.

Since you live in Italy I must refer you to the queen of anti-oxident supplementation, Margaret, of Margaret’s Corner. Margaret lives in Florence. She is very knowledgable about non-conventional MM therapies such as curcumin. The link to her website is below.

http://margaret.healthblogs.org

Let me know if you have any questions-

David Emerson

Hi Corrina-

I don’t mean to sound vague but the doses of your supplementation will depend on several factors. First and foremost, I take a daily maintenance dose of the supplements you mention. I do so because I have been supplementing for years and have been in CR for years. Those with active cancer or minimally active cancer in your case may take more but I can’t tell you how much for to take.

Lastly, curcumin, resveritrol and green tea are synergistic with each other. Or at least studies show that green tea potentiates curcumin. You can either go by the label or work with a naturopath to think through how much you want to take.

BTW- undergoing chemo to get you into a situation where your “bloods are all good” is great news. You are well on your way. Now your focus is remaining in remission. Keep in mind frequent, moderate exercise such as a brisk walk daily, swimming, etc.

Please keep me posted with your progress-

David

Hi Ruth-

I am sorry to read of your husband’s pre-MM diagnosis. Though I have to begin by saying that if a person is going to be diagnosed with cancer, then pre-MM is the way to go. It will help me to list your questions below.

1)”My husband has this year been diagnosed with a blood disease that is pre MM, I believe it is called light chain proximal tubulopathy – not sure how close to smoldering MM it is…”

“Light chain proximal tubulopathy is an increasingly recognized though still uncommon renal complication of myeloma almost exclusively related to light chain kappa [1].”

Yes, there are two separate health issues if I understand your email. First, you husband has been diagnosed with pre-MM. Second, there is kidney involvement associated with MM. The LCPT is related to MM but a separate diagnostic issue. If this makes sense to you.

2) “I am trying to get him onto the raw food diet, he loves his food so this is really hard, but trying to give him at least 50% raw! He is undergoing weekly healing sessions as I am a firm believer of emotional root causes. And also going to start using homeopathy to boost his immune system. My homeopath is currently putting something together for him….”

All good. I never could get used to a 100% raw diet. Yes, my diet has improved greatly over the years (tiny bit of alcohol, little sugar, little animal protein, lots of fruits and veggies, whole grains…). Don’t be too hard on your man. Gradual. MM is a long-term experience. Consider moderate daily exercise such as going for a brisk walk daily.

3) “I have finally managed to get hold of cannabis oil and was not entirely sure if he should take this whilst undergoing the Chemo, however, from what I have read, it seems it should be ok….”

As an illegal drug in the US, (on the Federal level) cannabis, CBD, etc. is not well-researched. Therefore I have a very difficult time finding evidence-based studies. I do not want to promote only what people say on the internet. My current understanding is that 1) it is the THC in cannabis, if any, that is cytotoxic to MM cells (kills MM). And 2) it is CBD that enhances Velcade (bortizomib) against MM.

I don’t know what effect, if any, cannabis oil may have on cytoxin (cyclosphamide). The study from PBC that you refer to documents CBD oil ENHANCING velcade against MM.

On this issue- both curcumin and resveritrol have shown the ability to enhance velcade against MM. I will link studies below.

Curcumin and Velcade-

Resveritrol and Velcade

4) “I would like to do this under our doctors supervision (however hard that is going to be) would you by chance have some information/ clinical trials or anything of the sort I can pass on, other than the ones you already shared?”

My experience is that conventional oncologists are not comfortable with ANY therapy that is not approved by the FDA. While curcumin and resveritrol are over the counter supplements they have not been approved by the FDA for any use. Likewise CBD.

If you choose to talk with your onc. about non-conventional therapies such as CBD, curcumin and resveritrol yes, show him/her the pubmed studies linked above.

5) “Another question, would it be ok to start him on the supplements you mention as well as the cannabis oil and the chemo?

I am not a board certified MD so I can’t prescribe any therapy. If I, as a MM, relapsed, yes, I would take supplements such as the one’s above. I do supplement with maintenance doses of several supplements and have for years.

6) “and would you take these supplements on the actual day of the chemo or miss that day and take on subsequent days?”

You must decide for yourself. I think it is a fair compromise to not take a supplement on the day of chemo administration. But again, it is up to you.

7) ” And what dosage would you recommend ? And would I need to run by someone professional vis a vis taking the supplements and him being on anti coagulants?”

Curcumin does have a modest blood thinning affect. You should talk to your onc. about this. Omega 3 fatty acids as well.

I take a lower maintenance dose as my MM is not active. Dose of curcumin (turmeric) is also up to you as dose depends on body weight. You should consider working with a naturopath in your area.

Studies I have read talk about therapy being in a “dose dependent manner.” My understanding of that phrase is that the more you take the more MM is killed. If you are interested I can suggest MM forums for you to participate in. Learning what other MMers do may help.

Thank you for your kind words. I hope I have helped. I have found that the more we learn about MM, therapies, anti MM lifestyle, etc. the better we feel.

Please consider frequent, moderate exercise. Your hubby will feel better, sleep better, etc.

Please let me know if you have other questions. Hang in there.

David Emerson

Hi Barry-

I don’t have an answer to this question.

David

Hi Matt-

I am sorry to read of your lung cancer difficulties. My knowledge and experience with CBD oil and medical marijuana is limited to those studies that a published in the literature. Many cancer patients contact me looking for info about CBD but I am limited. As you know, your situation is serious. I encourage you to pursue both conventional as well as integrative therapies at this point.

If you are interested in pursuing “integrative” therapies, supplementation that enhances specific chemotherapies I will research info for you. You must tell me what chemotherapies you may take for me to do the research. An example would be oxyplatin. Curcumin and resveritrol have both been researched and shown to enhance this chemo while reducing toxicity.

Let me know what you want to do.

Thanks and hang in there-

David Emerson

Hi Amayel-

I am sorry to read of your dad having MM. While I cannot find any studies saying anything about Revlimid and CBD either way, good or bad. I will say that there are studies that cite two antioxidant supplements as enhancing the cytoxic ability of Revlimid against MM.

Super Bio-curcumin (400mg) (3 Pack)” target=”_blank”>Curcumin enhances Revlimid

Life Extension Whole Grape Extract w/ Resveratrol, 60 vegetarian capsules” target=”_blank”>Resveritrol enhances Revlimid

Studies supporting curcumin-

Resveritrol and Revlimid

let me know if you have other questions- good luck

David Emerson

Hi Victor-

Your question “I wonder if this will help the efficacy of the chemo treatment,” if the extract you are drinking is CBD oil then yes, according to the study linked in the blog post that you came in on, CBD increases the efficacy of Velcade. Another study elsewhere on PBC cited THC’s cytotoxic action to multiple myeloma. Please keep me posted on your progress. Many MMers who read PBC will want to learn of your progress.

As for your other question “Also where can I buy cannabis oil and the dosage for this.” Buying CBD oil depends on where you live, what state you live in if you live in the United States.

Also, there are two other antioxidant supplements that studies have shown are cytotoxic to MM. Curcumin and resveritrol. I will link the studies below. I will also link what brand I take.

Remember, resveritrol kills both MM and enhances Velcade- see studies

Curcumin, MM, Velcade

This formulation of curcumin is the most bioavailable-

This is the brand/dose of resveritrol that I have taken for years-

Also consider regular, moderate exercise- walk around the block each day…

Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks

David Emerson

Hi Barry-

The situation you describe is difficult for all involved. The primary difficulty is that alternative or complementary therapies are NOT well researched. This fact means that many people will not believe in them (I was this same way when I was first diagnosed so I can relate).

I can and do research and provide many MMers with research-based studies that cite “integrative” therapies. Antioxidant supplementation such as curcumin, vitamin d3, resveritrol, etc. that ENHANCE the efficacy of chemotherapies such as revlimid and velcade.

Another approach might be to gain your cousin’s trust by first researching and providing info about bone strengthening therapies. He might be more comfortable with me after I talk about conventional bone strengthening therapies such as bisphosphonates (aridia, zometa, etc) and then provide studies about integrative therapies such as magnesium and metatonin both to increase bone density.

Bottom line is you can’t MAKE him do anything he doesn’t want to do. We can start slowly and help him along…

Let me know how you want to proceed.

thanks

David Emerson