Megamin

Six overviews and five preclinical trials exist. Only one study was identified as a clinical trial 6, as the majority of the studies were not published by independent scientists. No randomized controlled trials were found.

Clinical trials

The only trial retrieved from PUBMED did not confirm the preclinical assessment on adverse or anti-tumour effects. Ivkovic reported an increase of total antioxidant status by significantly increased CD4+, CD19+, and HLA-DR+ lymphocyte counts and a significantly decreased CD56+ cell count 6.

Case series

The manufacturer reports remissions in 80% of about 250 documented cancer histories within three to five months of treatment with TMAZ (personal communication). Therefore, in 2001 the AGBKT Study Group conducted a best case series 13 in collaboration with the only TMAZ provider 14.

In this study, the provider selected 32 cases of various cancer cases showing the best response to treatment. These were examined subsequently by the AGBKT Study Group. There was a distinct discrepancy between the judgement of the provider and the study group regarding the course of the disease. The provider reported 21 complete remission and 11 partial remission whereas the AGBKT Study Group could only confirm sufficient documentation of partial remissions in six cases, which were attributed to previous or concomitant conventional therapy (chemotherapy or/and radiation). None of these remission cases were exclusively attributable to the effect of TMAZ.

Pre-clinical studies

In in-vivo studies, TMAZ has shown a direct effect on malignant cells. Zarkovic showed a reduction of pulmonary metastases in mice by administration of a combination of doxorubicin and TMAZ 7. Pavelic reported an antimetastatic and immunostimulatory effect (NK-cell-activation and induction of apoptosis) of TMAZ in mice, as well as TMAZ inhibition of protein kinase B and induction of expression of tumour suppressor proteins 8.

TMAZ has shown a potential to improve adverse effects of conventional therapy modalities in rodent models. Muck-Seler reported a decrease of binding to serotonergic receptors in the brain of mice with mammary carcinoma, which indicates a likely antiemetic effect 9. Martin-Kleiner reported an influence of electrolytes and erratic effects on haematopoiesis in TMAZ-treated mice 10. Tatrai could not show any carcinogenic activity of clinoptilolite type zeolite in rats 11.

Because of the absence of controls, the quality of all cited preclinical studies is poor. There is no convincing evidence for the claimed effects by clinical research 12.

The results of preclinical studies and hypotheses put forward for the mode of action are not conclusive and do not provide evidence about pharmacokinetics resorption/elimination) or toxicology in humans. The only clinical trial does not prove any claimed anticancer effect.

According to the provider, Megamin can “stimulate the immune system by activating T-cells” 5. Paradoxically it also binds T-cell-receptors and –antigens in autoimmune diseases resulting in death of the T-cells“ 5.

In addition it remains unclear, in what way the antioxidant properties can take effect, since the manufacturer claims that the “particles do not enter the body in high concentrations”. TMAZ shall rather “be taken up by lymphoid tissue into liposome” (personal communication with the provider).