Cannabis Oil for Acute Leukemia, Case Report

Highly Aggressive Acute Blastic Leukemia in 14 year old Girl

In March 2006, P.K., a 14-year-old girl suffering from weakness and spontaneous bleeding was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), with more than 300,000 blast cells present on her peripheral blood smear.   Her form of leukemia was highly aggressive with a positive Philadelphia Chromosome (see Image below).  P.K.’s leukemia was treated at the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada with bone marrow transplant, aggressive chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Treatment Deemed Futile and a Failure

After 34 months, blast cells were again found in the blood and further treatment was deemed futile.  The doctors suspended all treatment and essentially gave up on her.  Her doctors noted in the chart: “the patient suffers from terminal malignant disease….She has been treated to the limits of available therapy… no further active intervention will be undertaken”. The patient, P.K., was offered palliative treatment and was sent home to die.  While at home, the leukemia blast cell counts continued to increase and frequent blood and platelet transfusions were required.

The Family Tries Hemp Oil

The family conducted their own research and found Dr. Guzman’s  2003 article on cannabis as anticancer agent.  Cannabis oil is safe, without any of the toxic effects of chemotherapy.

Finding Rick Simpson and Phoenix Tears

The family found an organization known as Phoenix Tears, and Rick Simpson, from whom they learned how to prepare their own cannabis extract given orally to their daughter, P.K.  With the introduction of this new cannabis oil treatment, the doctors observed a rapid dose-dependent reduction in leukemic blast cell count.  (See image below)

chart below shows response to Hemp Oil Treatment.  Left vertical axis shows Leukemic Blast Cell count which starts at 374 (per thousand) Red Arrow.  Horizontal axis displays treatment dose on each day with reduction in Blast count (Green Arrows ) after administration of the Hemp Oil.  Image courtesy of  Karger and Dr Singh from Case Rep Oncol 2013;6:585-592 (1)

This case is important because it shows in graphic form (above chart) the potent anti-cancer effect of cannabis oil in acute leukemia. The authors state: “The results shown here cannot be attributed to the phenomenon of ‘spontaneous remission’ because a dose response curve was achieved. “(1)

Although the treatment was deemed a success, the patient ultimately succumbed to the toxic effects of chemotherapy which had suppressed her immune system leaving her susceptible to infection.  Sadly, the patient died of colon perforation and peritonitis on day 76.

A Case With A Better Outcome

A better outcome was reported by the family of Mykayla Comstock, treated successfully with Cannabis Oil for acute Leukemia. (see video below)

On July 14th, 2012, seven year old Mykayla was diagnosed with intermediate risk T-Cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia with leukemic infiltration of the brain and spinal fluid.  On July 23rd her   Leukemic Count on the blood smear was 31%.  By August 2, her Leukemic count had dropped to zero and has stayed there.  Doctors declared Mykayla to be in remission, and she continues to do well two years later.

Date   Leukemic Count

23-Jul 31%

24-Jul  Began Cannabis Oil

26-Jul 5%

30-Jul 3%

2-Aug 0%

6-Aug 0%

13-Aug 0%

20-Aug 0%

July 30th 2012 was the very last time they found lymphoblasts in Mykayla’s blood smear. Click here for her complete story on Cannadad Blog.

Medical Research on Medicinal Cannabis and Leukemia

There has been abundant medical research on the effect of medicinal cannabis on leukemic cells. In-vitro, and in-vivo animal and human studies show medicinal cannabis is exceptionally efficacious in killing leukemic cells through signalling pathways which induce cell death (apoptosis). (2-12)  The research is summarized in references 2-12.

Dr. Christina Sanchez from Cannabis Planet

Natural Medicine in Your Kitchen

Preparation of Cannabis Oil – as easy as a cup of coffee

Preparing the cannabis oil involves obtaining the proper medicinal cannabis strain plant material.  A reputable regulated grower is recommended.  For the highest level of quality it may be necessary to grow your own plant material from seed.

The cannabis strains (indica and sativa) may vary in THC (tetrahydrocannabidol) and CBD (cannabidiol) content.  Some strains tend to have a sedating effect, while others an energizing effect.

Once the plant material is obtained, the ground plant material is placed into a mixing bowel.  Food grade high-proof alcohol  such as Everclear 190 proof, is an excellent solvent which will dissolve the plant oils.  Once the alcohol is added to the plant material and mashed up to dissolve the oils, the mixture is then strained, and placed into a cooking container for evaporating off the solvent, usually with a rice cooker or double boiler.   Since the solvent is highly flammable, special precautions are used to avoid flames or sparks which may ignite the solvent.  Once solvent is evaporated off, the oil residue is left behind and can be drawn up into plastic syringes, and is ready for use.