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Real members of MyMyelomaTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Lake Charles, LA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tRJs7JWn3Q

March 8
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A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Not to sure this is the cure all. More research is needed.

March 8
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

@A MyMyelomaTeam Member
Absolutely agree with you- Doctors maybe be brilliant in medical/oncology healing but don’t get training in natural supplements or anything outside of the prescription and surgical protocols for MM. Their best response when we ask is “ just take a multivitamin”. Because they are not trained in what we are asking them about- and it’s outside of the scope of the mainstream oncology practice. I take all kinds of supplements and research each one before I take it and so far so good. Keep being you, I love your posts. It’s very helpful. 💕💐

March 10
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Astaxanthin is being investigated for its potential anti-cancer effects in multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines and animal models, primarily through its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but clinical studies in humans with multiple myeloma are needed to confirm its safety and efficacy.
National Institutes of Health (.gov)
National Institutes of Health (.gov)
+4
Potential Mechanisms in Multiple Myeloma
Preclinical research (in vitro and animal studies) suggests several ways astaxanthin might be beneficial:
Immune System Support: Astaxanthin may enhance immune function by boosting the activity of white blood cells and natural killer (NK) cells, which could help the body fight infections—a significant concern for MM patients.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Multiple myeloma is associated with increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α). Astaxanthin may help by inhibiting these inflammatory pathways, potentially reducing inflammation.
Targeting Cancer Pathways: Studies indicate that astaxanthin can suppress key signaling pathways, such as STAT3 and NF-κB, which are often overexpressed in myeloma cells and contribute to their survival and proliferation.
Induction of Apoptosis: In cancer cells, astaxanthin has been shown to induce programmed cell death (apoptosis) and inhibit cancer cell proliferation and migration.
Chemosensitization: Some research suggests astaxanthin may enhance the effectiveness of conventional chemotherapy drugs in cancer cells, potentially allowing for lower drug concentrations and reduced side effects.
MDPI
MDPI
+7
Important Considerations
Antioxidant Paradox: The role of antioxidants in cancer treatment is complex. While astaxanthin acts as a powerful antioxidant, some studies note that antioxidants can be overexpressed by myeloma cells to survive chemotherapy. High doses of some antioxidants might also potentially act as pro-oxidants in cancer cells, which could be leveraged for therapy, but requires careful study.
Consult a Healthcare Professional: Multiple myeloma is a serious condition that requires conventional medical treatment. Supplements like astaxanthin should not replace standard care. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, as they can interact with existing treatments or have contraindications for certain individuals (e.g., pregnant individuals, those with autoimmune disorders, or those on blood pressure medications).
Limited Human Data: The current evidence comes mostly from cell-based and animal studies. More clinical trials in humans with multiple myeloma are necessary to determine appropriate dosages, safety, and effectiveness.

March 8
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I’m only taking one 12 mg pill astaxanthin per day plus I started taking pumpkin seed oil pill one a day plus drink hydrogen water using a tablet called Ultimate H2 from Dr. Gundry also drink 2 oz of DOSE for my liver and one tablespoon of top grade olive oil from Dr. Gundry.
My local oncologist said my levels all look fantastic this week.
My EGFR is 80.

April 14
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Absolutely that’s exactly what I was going to say. These doctors are only educated on prescription chemo drugs not natural things like vitamins herbs and spices that can help us.
I just won’t mention anything to them about it.
I already know revlamide gave me bad side effects and Pomalyst is in that same family of drugs so to me if was the guilty culprit not the astaxanthin which caused my EGFR to go up to 97 which I’ve never seen before. And I was drinking hydrogen water too!

March 9

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A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
want to share a little update about my journey. Recently I went for a CT scan of my lungs, and today the doctor explained the results to me. They found some changes in my left lung compared to before. There are areas where the lung lining looks thicker, and a small mass in the lower part of the left lung has grown a bit since my last scan. Because of these changes, the doctors want to do another test called a bronchoscopy, where they use a small camera to look inside the airways and take samples to understand it better. Hearing all this was not easy for me. It made me emotional because it feels like one thing after another. But at the same time, I am thankful that I am already under medical care and the doctors are taking steps to find out exactly what

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