https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/the-emerging-role-of-vitamin-k2
"Mylodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is a disorder related to leukemia, but unlike leukemia, MDS cells can be induced to develop into mature normal cells, and that is where vitamin K shows its role. Vitamin K treatment of bone marrow cells from patients with MDS strongly induces apoptosis of the diseased cells. Vitamin K2 also induces MDS cells to differentiate into healthy white blood cells, even when full-blown leukemia has developed. The combination of vitamin K2 and vitamin D3 achieved good differentiation in a laboratory study of leukemic cells, suggesting that it might be effective therapy for both MDS and leukemia. The oral dose for MDS is 45 to 90 mg of vitamin K2 analogue MK-4 daily.7"
I have been taking vitamin K2 for several years now - mostly for cardiovascular health (reduce calcium in arteries). K2 impact on leukemic cells is new information and makes sense when coupled with vitamin D's role in driving blast cell (leukemic & normal) differentiation. Ironic that vitamins D & K2 relates to bone health and the bone is where blood is made! Bone cells (osteoclasts) and blood cells are from the same cell lineage. Brilliant design. So bone health and blood/immune health go hand in hand.
So ... in addition to TKI drugs, patients should consider nutritional support to enhance our body's natural protection against leukemia. It might also help when the time comes to stop treatment and test remission.
I am becoming convinced that if I had known what I know now about vitamin D, K2, and other nutritional support (i.e. regular fasting), I would likely never have developed CML. This is important for our friends and family who are "healthy" and CML-free. They should consider adding D and K2 to their diet as a potential leukemia prevention program. No guarantee, but anything that could help is good.
