A Pilot Study of Soursop Tea in Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) or Multiple Myeloma (MM)

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) and Multiple Myeloma (MM) are aggressive blood cancers. The median age of patients diagnosed with AML is between 65 and 70 years old and, despite recent advances in the management, most studies demonstrate less than 25% 5-year survival of patients over age 60. Likewise, although there have been extraordinary breakthroughs in the care of patients with MM, most patients with MM currently ultimately die of their disease.

Annona muricata is a plant that is native to Central and South America and found also in parts of the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Africa. It is known by various names throughout the world (soursop, gravioloa, guanabana, paw paw, nangka balanda, and others). Seeds, fruit and leaves from the plant have all been used to treat a variety of diseases and ailments. The leaves are acuminate with a dark green upper surface and extracts include a variety of pharmacologically active classes of molecules (acetogenins, alkaloids, flavonoids) and a variety of their secondary products.

This pilot study is designed to determine if there is any signal of anti-neoplastic activity when patients with refractory/relapsed AML or MM with no standard therapeutic options available consume soursop tea.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients with relapsed or refractory AML or MM not on any anti-neoplastic therapy who have exhausted all therapies and have no available therapy.
• For AML: Quantifiable leukemia cells in blood (patients without circulating AML blasts may participate if they agree to baseline and post-treatment bone marrow testing)
• For MM: Quantifiable M component (SPEP) or serum free light chain abnormality (ratio greater than 10)
• ECOG PS 0,1, or 2
• ALT, AST less than 3 times ULN
• Bilirubin (total) < 2.5 mg/dL
• Renal function - estimated GFR > 40 ml/min
• No uncontrolled/active infections
• Negative pregnancy test if of childbearing potential
• No chronic neurologic disorders (peripheral neuropathy > grade 2; Parkinson's disease; Alzheimer's disease; other neurologic diseases will be discussed with the PI)

Exclusion criteria

• Inability to understand the study procedures
• Inability to understand the consent form --Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or inability or unwillingness to use effective contraception