Health Care Professional Information
Clinical Summary
Cellect has not been studied in clinical trials and there is no evidence that it can be used to prevent or treat any diseases in humans. We do not support using this product as a cancer treatment.
Cellect is a line of dietary supplements that include gelatin, cod liver oil, and different blends that consist of vitamin E, minerals, shark cartilage and milk thistle. It is marketed as a vitamin program purported to maintain the body's normal functions, to help boost the immune system, and to treat cancer by alleviating the body's chemical imbalances. Although shark cartilage was examined for its antitumor and antiangiogenic activities in vitro and in animal models, clinical trials show that it is not effective in humans.
Cellect should not be confused with a device that is used to separate cells.
Purported Uses
- Cancer treatment
- Health maintenance
- Immunostimulant
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of action is not known. Some constituents of Cellect, such as shark cartilage and milk thistle, have been studied for their anticancer properties. Cellect has not been studied in clinical trials and there is no evidence that it can be used to prevent or treat any diseases in humans.
Contraindications
Pregnant or lactating women should consult their physician before using this product.
Adverse Reactions
- Upset stomach
- Loose stools
Dosage (Inside MSKCC Only)
This field is only visible to only Inside MSKCC users.
Consumer Information
How It Works
Bottom Line: Cellect has not been shown to treat cancer in humans.
Cellect is a line of dietary supplements that includes gelatin, cod liver oil, and different blends that consist of vitamin E, minerals, shark cartilage and milk thistle. It is thought to help maintain the body's normal functions, to boost the immune system, and to help fight cancer by fixing the body's chemical imbalances. However, none of these claims are backed by scientific evidence. Some of the ingredients such as milk thistle may cause drug interactions.
Purported Uses
- Cancer Treatment
No scientific evidence supports this use.
- Health maintenance
There are no published data to back this claim.
- Immunostimulation
There is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
Patient Warnings
Cellect has not been studied in clinical trials and there is no evidence that it can be used to prevent or treat any diseases in humans. We do not support using this product as a cancer treatment.
Do Not Take If
- You are pregnant or lactating
Side Effects
- Upset stomach
- Loose stools
Last updated: May 4, 2011
antiangiogenic (AN-tee-AN-jee-oh-JEH-nik)
Having to do with reducing the growth of new blood vessels.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)antitumor (AN-tee-TOO-mer)
Having to do with stopping abnormal cell growth.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cartilage (KAR-tih-lij)
A tough, flexible tissue that lines joints and gives structure to the nose, ears, larynx, and other parts of the body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)chemical (KEH-mih-kul)
A substance made up of elements, such as hydrogen or sodium.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)clinical (KLIH-nih-kul)
Having to do with the examination and treatment of patients.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)device (dee-VISE)
An object that has a specific use. In medicine, wheelchairs, pumps, and artificial limbs are examples of devices.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)drug (drug)
Any substance, other than food, that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Also refers to a substance that alters mood or body function, or that can be habit-forming or addictive, especially a narcotic.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)immune system (ih-MYOON SIS-tem)
The complex group of organs and cells that defends the body against infections and other diseases.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)in vitro (in VEE-troh)
In the laboratory (outside the body). The opposite of in vivo (in the body).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)milk thistle (milk THIH-sul)
A plant that has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems, including stomach, liver, and gallbladder disorders. The active extract of milk thistle seeds is called silymarin. It is being studied in the prevention of liver damage caused by some cancer treatments. Also called Silybum marianum.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)physician (fih-ZIH-shun)
Medical doctor.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)vitamin (VY-tuh-min)
A nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. Sources of vitamins are plant and animal food products and dietary supplements. Some vitamins are made in the human body from food products. Vitamins are either fat-soluble (can dissolve in fats and oils) or water-soluble (can dissolve in water). Excess fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body’s fatty tissue, but excess water-soluble vitamins are removed in the urine. Examples are vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
