Get Dr. Dressler's Dog Cancer Diet FREE This is the follow up to the last post about luteolin, a bioflavonoid found in several plants (celery, perilla, artichoke, peanut hull, chrysanthemum and others).
This stuff has a whole slew of literature supporting it’s use for cancer.
It is so new though that not many have heard of it in this country.
I have been using it with dogs with cancer and have been impressed with some of the results. This of course is my clinical opinion, and is not meant to be a blanket recommendation.
Why did I get interested? Well, the evidence in rodents and people point to some really good stuff! And to top it off, there seems to be harmony with chemotherapy agents. Read on!
Cancers with a molecule on the outside of their cells called HER are pretty resistant to chemo. Luteolin showed it could decrease the tumors in rodents with these tough cancers. Here’s the link.
Luteolin also was able to decrease prostate cancer cell growth in mice, as well as oral squamous cell carcinoma cells. Check out these articles here and here.
I found another article that showed the same for liver cancer cells. See for yourself!
So we have multiple different cancers all responding to luteolin in mice, and based on my research no significant adverse effects in 26 dogs so far. This is not that many in the broad scheme of things, but is pretty darned good anyway.
And this was all when it was given by mouth, in living bodies, not test tube or petri dishes, and not injected…
Finally, chemo effects were actually enhanced with cisplatin (read more), doxorubicin (here you go), and the human chemo drug paxlitaxel (check it out).
One source of Luteolin is Lutimax, made by SynoRx.
As always, discuss medical decisions with your vet or oncologist before action, and I hope this helps!
Best,
Dr Dressler
About the Author
Dr. Demian Dressler, DVM is known as the "dog cancer vet" and is author of Dog Cancer Survival Guide: Beyond Surgery, Chemotherapy & Radiation. Visit his blog and sign up free to get the latest information about canine cancer. Go to http://DogCancerBlog.com.
{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }
Dr. Dressler: On January 2, 2009, my 5 year old german shepherd began ammassed a belly full of fluid. This dog has always been healthy and energetic. I rushed him the local vet who Xrayed him and had me rush him 90 miles away to a special clinic that could remove the fluid around his heart. In two days the fluid in his abdomen and he is back to his old fun self. Of course I am keeping his quiet until our next appointment. The test results came back with a small cluster of mesotheolioma in the pericardial sac. There is no thickening around the pericardial sac and he has not been around asbestos. The prognosis is bleak but I refuse to give up. I don’t want him to suffer through the chemo or radiation. The vets tell me that removal of the pericardial sac will give him some relief from fluids, but he will die soon with or without treatment. I am in Newport News, VA. Can you recommend resources that can help me give my Piper a chance. Ray Furr
Ray, this bad news saddens me. There is a surprising amount of asbestos in many municipal water supplies, you may want to check this out.
Did they do an ultrasound?? Hemangiosarcoma is more common statistically, but if they got the cancer cells….likely that is the diagnosis. An old buddy of mine, Matt Antkowiak, runs the ER at South Paws, which is at least in the vague geographic area you are. This is a solid hospital.
Did the vet give some medication to manage the congestive heart failure (pimobendan, benazepril, furosemide, etc)? This would be to help the heart compensate for the harmful effects of the tumor.
D
w4ddd@earthlink.net. Have you heard any information on Graviola use in dog cancer. My Westie 9yrs old has TCC Bladder Cancer is on 2 mg of piroxicam and K9 Immunity daily. I am starting dog on N-Tense with graviola from Rain Tree. Human dose is 2 capsules 3-4 times a day. Am using 1/2 capsule twice a day for 17 lb dog. Checked with VET and giving graviola with piroxicam was ok to do. Dont know if you reply to these as I dont see any place to put in a e mail address. We decided not to go the chemo route. Purdue Univ shows this type of canacer with more longevity using just piroxicam and we just did not want to put the lil dog thru chemo.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11835443?ordinalpos=19&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum
This is a publication linking graviola to a resistant form of parkingson’s disease. Don’t know if it has the same effect in dogs but I would avoid it to be safe, personally.
Thanks
D
Hey Dr.Dressler,
How is Luteolin administered? I’ve looking into alternative treatment options for MCTs in my dog Vodka – seems like chemo isn’t effective anymore and one of the MCTs on his back has started to come back.
He is currently on Artemisinin, I’m going to restart Avemar and other supplements, but am looking into other treatment options and there don’t seem to be a whole lot out there
I was wondering if Luteolin might be a possible treatment option – can you elaborate on how it is administered, etc?
Thx!
-K
Dear K,,
Our schnauzer Benny has had a reccurrence of MCT as well.He has a lump on his back which is not shrinking with the prednisone he is presently taking (15 mg. every other day.) He has been taking Artemisinin for over 8 months and is on CANINE LIFE MUFFINS (cancer formula) which contain many beneficial ingredients and Luteolin is one of these ingredients. He also takes salmon capsules, reishi mushrooms, modified citrus pectin. If you would be interested in the MUFFINS here is the link to their website:http://cancer.landofpuregold.com/nutrition-diet.htm
We are not ready to “give up either” since Benny is only 6 and the best dog ever. Terrible, stressful disease, this cancer.
We don’t know what else we can do.
Joanne
Krishna, you can buy it from SynoRX in the form of Lutimax. Of course, discuss with your vet!
More in the upcoming e-book,
D
Do you have any opinion about this supplement LutiMax (http://www.lutimax.net/)? And, have you seen this interesting website: http://www.luteolin.com/
I’ve seen your discussion on Lutimax (for humans), and intend to use it with upcoming chemo for our standard poodle with lymphoma, along with K9 immunity, omega-3s, ginger, and cimetidine (and possibly ALC or CoQ10. I’m unclear on dosage for Lutimax–are the recommendations in your book for luteolin content, or for the Lutimax pill itself?
Many thanks
bob
I am very interested in luteolin for my dog, however Lutimax contains the sweetener xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Any other good sources?
Also looking for other sources. Xylitol is highly toxic and so obviously we want to avoid it!
http://www2.aspca.org/site/DocServer/vetm0207f_095-100_.pdf?docID=10462 (ASPCA peer-reviewed article on xylitol)
Hello again. My 4-1/2 year old boxer, Pugsley (weighs in at 90lbs.), was previously diagnosed with a grade 2 MCT tumor on his rear leg (inoperable due to the location) and a small MTC on his ear. He was also diagnosed with a tumor in his testicles and after castration, this tumor was diagnosed as a malignant hemangiosarcoma. Dr. Lisa Fulton at MedVet in Columbus, OH says that this type of tumor in the testicle is so very rare (basically unheard of!) that there are no published papers or research on them. The lab still has the tumor. My local vet is confidant that he got all of the tumor, but Dr. Fulton is concerned about it metastisizing, but right now there is no evidence of this. I am waiting for test results from a CBC, urinalysis, chest x-ray and ultrasound. If all is well, MedVet wants to put Pugsley in a phase 2 double blind clinical trial for Pax 2 (2 out of 3 dogs get Pax 2, one gets CCNU, don’t know who got what until the trial is over). While I hope Pugsley gets into the trial (and receives the Pax 2, seems to be very promising with MCT) I would like to know what I can do to give him the best chance of overcoming this. I can’t afford the Lutimax, so I have been looking for other options. Dr. Fulton recommended Omega 3 fish oil and 75 mg. daily of Benadryl. She also indicated that giving him Turmeric wouldn’t hurt. She also said that the research on Luteolin was just beginning. I was thinking of lightly sauteing some broccoli, celery, parsley (all high in luteolin content), chicken liver and tomato in virgin olive oil and adding this as a supplement to his food. I would like an opinion before I do this. How much should I give him daily? Is any of this harmful to him? I just want to give him the best chance that I can. Any thoughts? Thanks so very much.
Mel,
kidding, but in all seriousness the amounts in Lutimax are very low relative to the toxic levels needed. However,
Nice work on your research. One little detail though- you need to look at amounts. Table salt is highly toxic too, given enough, and so is water, which I am drinking right now
another source is Apocaps, which is what I use in my own patients. It is not yet widely available, but will be soon:
http://www.apocaps.com/order/
Best,
D
I found this discussion after I purchased some Lutimax (I’d read about it in your book). The label doesn’t say what amount of xylitol is contained in each capsule. I’d rather not risk cumulative damage to my dog’s liver, especially at a time when he’s fighting osteosarcoma.
The nice folks at Lutimax accepted a return of the product and sent me a xylitol-free powdered luteolin instead.
For Dominic & Mel and Tami,
Based on Tami’s statement above I called Lutimax and talked to Celeste and she was very nice as Tami mentioned.
Celeste said that she tries to screen customers and is happy to supply LutiMax for Canine use in bulk form without the xylitol. Celeste also advises the amount to give based on your dog’s weight.
Fred
Thanks, Fred. Celeste is the person at Lutimax I’ve been dealing with, too – very responsive and helpful. We have a capsule filling device, so we’ll be administering the powder to our Benny that way. He was fortunate to have stereotactic radiosurgery done on his limb at Colorado State University, so we’re primarily concerned about any remaining cancer cells that may be lurking around at this point.
Best wishes to everyone who may be dealing with canine cancer.
Dr. Dressler,
I have almost finished reading your cancer book. All I can say is bravo…thank you for your research and information.
I was just looking at Apocaps for my dog that had a leg amputated due to soft tissue sarcoma on her knee…is the cost per bottle really $129? For 90 caps? I would love to put her on it but at that price……..ugh..
Tracy
Dear Tracy,
It’s words like yours that makes it all worth while.
As far as the Apocaps go, I am sorry to say they are not available now as the supply is depleted and I am waiting for a cheaper batch to be make in bulk, which should be ready in about 6 weeks, give or take. I hear you on the price, which is one of the reasons I am doing what I am doing….cheaper Apocaps. The materials for the supplement are ungodly expensive (in particular the luteolin and apigenin are over $1100 a kilo…). So check back in about 6 weeks and hopefully we can get you what you need.
All my best,
Dr D
Dear Dr. Dressler,
We just purchased your book today and I am a bit confused. The chapter where you discuss the use of Luteolin. You mention that we are to implement at least two to the Full Spectrum Approach. Does this mean that we are to use only two of the suggested supplements or are we to implement Luteolin, Curcumin, EGCG and Artemisinin all at the same time. My dog was just diagnosed with Lymphoma and I would like to start him on the Full Spectrum Approach a.s.a.p. I’m also thinking of starting him on Prednisone, is it okay for him to take Prednisone together with all the other supplements??
Sincerely, Alicia
6 weeks is up. Where are the apocaps ? Please.
Dear Nancy,
We are waiting for the manufacturer to finish making the capsules. I understand this is frustrating…it is so for all of us.
Best,
Dr D
Dear Alicia,
The strategy is to use two of the “Big Gun” supplements at the same time. Acceptable combos are EGCG and Curcumin, luteolin and Curcumin. The artemisinin can be used with either or by itself.
As usual, please make sure your veterinarian is involved in your pet’s treatments as he or she knows your friend’s unique needs…
Just bring the book to your vet and have he or she read the safety sections of the individual supplements to make sure there are no reasons to avoid one or the other. Curcumin and luteolin have some anti inflammatory effects and your if your pet has a sensitive stomach or ulcers pred should perhaps be avoided with these two, but that will vary depending on your individual dog. Severe interactions are rare.
Best
Dr D
Dr. Dressler,
My dog Shaymis a Shapr-pei was just diagnosed with lymphoma. He is currently on Prednisone, but I have ordered Apocap can he still take the Prednisone? And should I also buy luteolin as a seperate supplememnt or will the Apocap have enough in it? What supplements do you recommend along with Apocap if any?
Dear Lucy,
as always, have your vet involved in all aspects of your dog’s care. I will often drop the dose of pred down to about 1/4 or 1/2 if there is any problem with taking the Apocaps along with the pred (like vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and so on). Apocaps has enough luteolin. Other than that, it depends on the dog. Generally, a dog cancer diet with the additives in the Guide can help. The Apocaps has so many things in the single capsule that addressing apoptosis is fairly complete. Ginger, garlic, cimetidine, modified citrus pectin, Wobenzym N and others are all covered in detail.
Don’t forget sleep, life quality enrichment, touch therapies, etc.
Best,
Dr D
Dear Dr. Dressler,
My dog Ranger is currently on Luteolin and Curcumin. As well as the digestive enzymes. He doesn’t seem to tolerate the enzymes very well. Could I mix the enzymes in his food or must it be given on an empty stomach? He is also on K-9 Immunity. If I put Ranger on Apocaps will he still need K-9 Immunity?
Also, this may sound like a crazy question, but I’ll ask anyway. We live in South Florida and our Golden Retriever was recently diagnosed with Lymphoma. Just on our block alone, there are two other dogs that have been recently diagnosed with Lymphoma. We can’t help but worry that something is causing our pets to get sick. Should we be concerned with the water they are drinking or the fact that we live by a lake? Could a dog get Lymphoma from toxins in the water or is it something they are born with??
Thanks…Alicia
Dear Alicia,
First, thing, you may want to consider Apocaps instead of all three, which is a source of the ingredients that I designed for my own patients. It has luteolin, curcumin, as well as beta glucans which are found in medicinal mushroom supplements.
Enzymes for digestion can be mixed in the food to pre-digest the food, but make sure it is not more than lukewarm, and leave for at least 30-60 minutes.
Secondy, I do not think you are crazy. Have you heard of “The Love Canal”? This was the site of a housing development on top of a industrial waste site, and the cancer rates there are much higher than normal. I am not trying to say that is what is going on with your dog necessarily, but as you may have learned in The Dog Cancer Survival Guide, there are environmental factors that increase cancer risks in certain areas.
That being said, there are also genetic issues too, which is why we have breeds at higher rates for certain cancers. Goldens certainly are prone to lympho, and they are born with those genes.
I hope this helps,
Dr D
We’re getting the Apocaps now from Amazon, and they’re much less than the $90 mentioned here. We’d been giving luteolin, curcumin, and other supplements separately to Benny (our dog diagnosed with osteosarcoma), but the Apocaps are certainly easier to administer! And we had an unfortunate incident involving the curcumin by itself – Benny had a digestive upset and now we have what seems to be a permanent curry-colored stain on our carpet.