Kerala, 08.07.2013
The Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) here has embarked on a
series of clinical studies to explore the potential of integrating the
Ayurveda system of medicine into modern cancer care, so that the synergy
of the rejuvenating and restorative properties of this ancient science
can give added benefits to cancer patients.
“Ayurveda
may not have a big role in the main treatment modalities for cancer.
But it has a vital and complementary role to play in the rejuvenation
and palliation of cancer patients after treatment. Many drugs in the
classic Ayurveda texts have proven anti-inflammatory properties that
should be explored for the common good of cancer patients,” says K.
Ramdas, the Medical Superintendent of RCC, who is also the head of the
Head and Neck cancer division.
The Head and Neck
cancer division has been engaged in Ayurveda research projects for the
past 13 years. One of its focus areas has been the study of the
potential of various plant-based molecules in reducing the side effects
of chemotherapy and radiation and utilising modern research methodology
to scientifically validate this.
Many herbal
components have been found to be more effective in its natural forms
than as an isolated molecule in managing the side effects of
chemotherapy and radiation. Some of these phyto components have been
found to give excellent results in improving issues of persistent immuno
suppression in some patients with head and neck cancers even after they
are cured of the disease, Dr. Ramdas says.
State funds
For
the first time, the RCC has been allocated a fund of Rs.37 lakh by the
State government for taking up Ayurveda cancer research projects and
discussions are on about putting together a dedicated team to work on
this.
“Very often, cancer patients become bedridden
and broken in spirit because of the severe side effects of chemotherapy
and radiation, such as vomiting, giddiness, painful ulceration, poor
appetite, and gastric problems. Ayurveda has a lot of medicines that can
reduce inflammation and pain, improve the appetite so that the patients
get a sense of wellbeing,” says P. Sankarankutty, the former Director
of Ayurveda Medical Education.
‘Patients keen’
Dr.
Ramdas says that many patients themselves ask the doctors if they can
go for Ayurveda, yoga, or meditation therapies after they complete their
chemo or radiation treatment. With most of them reporting good results,
there is no need for modern medicine to turn its face away from
Ayurveda, he says. “Rasayana chikitsa or immunotherapy is a very crucial
element of Ayurvedic management of cancer as it revives the body’s
support systems. Rasayana therapy, when started ahead for a cancer
patient, can help him/her tolerate radiation and chemotherapy better and
can mitigate the toxic side effects. These are all time-tested truths
of Ayurveda. Only, we cannot offer proof on the platform of modern
medicine,” Dr. Sankarankutty says.
“What is important
is that we scientifically validate the Ayurveda claims by checking the
blood parameters of patients and by doing cell line studies. We also
have validated a questionnaire to measure the quality of life. Changes
at the molecular level cannot be studied by Ayurveda alone,” Dr. Ramdas
said.
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