Title of the Research Project:
Curcumin, Exercise and Placebo Effects on CLL / SLL Progression and Immune Function
Research Project Summary:
This study is looking at how curcumin (a natural compound found in turmeric) and exercise might help people who are early in their journey with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). Many patients in the early stages of CLL are monitored over time without starting treatment right away, a period known as ‘watch and wait’ or ‘active surveillance.’ The study aims to determine whether these non-pharmacologic interventions can help support their immune health, improve quality of life, or potentially even slow disease progression.
About the Award Recipient, Dr. Nancy Musoke:
Nancy Musoke, MD, is a third-year Hematology/Oncology fellow at Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute. Under the mentorship of lymphoma specialist Allison Winter, MD, Dr. Musoke is actively involved in research exploring integrative approaches to cancer care. Originally from Nairobi, Kenya, Dr. Musoke earned her medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada. She completed her internal medicine residency at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. During residency, she developed a strong interest in malignant hematology, which has evolved into a focus on lymphoid malignancies and emerging therapies such as CAR T-cell therapy. Passionate about evidence-based, patient-centered care, Dr. Musoke is particularly interested in integrative therapies that many patients inquire about but are often understudied in traditional medicine.
Why is Research on Curcumin and Exercise in CLL / SLL Needed?
Many people living with cancer want to know what they can do to support their health, beyond being actively monitored early in the disease. There is promising research suggesting that both curcumin and exercise may help boost the immune system and potentially affect how cancer behaves, but more data is necessary. This study is important because it could provide reliable scientific evidence for these more natural approaches, giving patients more tools to actively support their health and well-being.
Curcumin has shown potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties in early laboratory studies. Similarly, regular physical activity has been linked to better immune function, reduced cancer-related fatigue, and improved quality of life. However, despite growing interest, there is limited clinical research examining the safety or effectiveness of curcumin and exercise, especially for those with CLL / SLL. This study is important to provide evidence-based guidance on whether these strategies can play a meaningful role in supporting patients early on in their disease. Ultimately, the goal is to explore whether integrative approaches can complement traditional care in a way that is both safe and empowering for patients.
When Patients Request Integrative Medicine Approaches, What Are the Challenges?
One of the biggest challenges with integrative therapies in CLL / SLL is the lack of strong scientific data. While many patients are interested in using supplements or lifestyle changes to help manage their health, healthcare providers often don’t have enough reliable research to feel confident recommending them. This can create a gap between what patients want to do and what providers can support. This study aims to help close that gap with evidence-based findings.
Who is Eligible for This Study?
The study is designed for patients who have been diagnosed with early-stage CLL / SLL and are not yet receiving any treatment. This group of individuals is ideal for the study because they have time to try supportive approaches like curcumin and exercise without interfering with standard cancer treatments.
What Interventions Will Be Used?
The trial will be conducted at Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute. Participants in the study will take either a daily curcumin pill or a placebo (a look-alike pill with no active ingredients). About halfway through the study, they will track physical activity using a step counter, also known as a pedometer. These two simple interventions, curcumin and increased movement, will then be studied for their impact on overall health, immune function, and disease progression.
What is the Design of the Study?
Participants will be randomly assigned to either the curcumin group or the placebo group. Everyone will be closely monitored with monthly clinic visits and lab tests. Physical activity will be measured starting at the three-month mark, and questionnaires will be given throughout the study to assess quality of life. The research team will look at both medical and lifestyle data to understand whether these interventions have resulted in any change.
How Will the Findings Be Used?
The goal of the study is to provide clear, evidence-based information that can help patients and doctors make informed choices about using supplements and lifestyle changes in managing CLL / SLL. If curcumin and exercise are found to be helpful, this research could lead to better guidance and support for patients from their healthcare providers. It could also pave the way for more in-depth studies on safe, non-drug options that improve quality of life and immune health for those living with the disease.
What Is the Goal of CLL Society’s Integrative Medicine Award?
This research award supports an exceptionally innovative research project that aims to provide an understanding of the mechanistic basis, or clinical outcomes related to the use of integrative medicine therapies, specifically for those living with CLL / SLL. The award is aimed towards exploring ideas that incorporate an integrative approach to addressing the many health challenges of those living with the disease, to help address gaps that exist in current research, and build a strong evidence base to improve quality of life for those living with the disease.
This 2025 Integrative Medicine Award was made possible through generous donations made by those in our community as part of a matching grant from the Vigyan Singhal.
CLL Society invites you to read more about CLL Society’s Research Program. CLL Society is one of the only blood cancer organizations whose research program is dedicated solely to funding CLL / SLL research. CLL Society relies on generous donations from our community to fund this important work.
