Chemotherapy And Ayurvedic Treatment For Cancer

Abstract

The world is progressing toward cancers at a very alarming rate and this is a very concerning topic that needs to be discussed. Every year, millions of cases are increasing and the incidence is rising more in developed countries than in developing countries followed by an overall increase in death rates too, and along with that there are increasing social and economic crises. Smoking, alcoholism, bad food habits, Poor exercise routines, Genetic mutations due to nuclear exposure, Ultraviolet ray exposure, and consumption of medications in massive amounts due to long-standing chronic diseases is leading the world into a dark loophole of cancers. Delayed diagnosis and improper treatment can lead to worse situations in cancer patients and even death in severe cases. The global chemotherapy market is on the rise due to the increasing prevalence of this disease and is yet believed to increase more and more in the coming years. A timely diagnosis, proper treatment along with lifestyle modifications can very well help to get rid of this rising trend of cancers. In this article, we will have a look at the introduction of chemotherapy, its types, its requirements, its pros and cons, and the ayurvedic management of post-chemotherapy patients. 

Introduction To Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the process of killing the cancerous cells in the body by using powerful aids like chemicals and drugs that help to keep these cells away from growing and dividing. Chemotherapy medications can travel in the whole body, to all of the parts and act on cancerous cells wherever they are present. Chemotherapy can be given in cycles and the number of cycles, duration, and repetitions will vary depending on the patient’s condition, chronicity of cancer, and the type of cancer present. As such about, 4 -8 cycles of chemotherapy are given in total with a gap of a week or two between two cycles. Chemotherapy works with three principles

• Treat if the cancer is detected at early stages,
• Control if a Treat is not possible and cancer starts to spread. The cancer is aimed to be controlled to prevent adjacent organs and increase the life of the patient,
• Palliate to improve the patient’s quality of life and make things easy for him/her.

Before diving deep into this topic of chemotherapy, it is important to know – What cancer is?

What Is A Cancer?

Cancer can be defined as an unregulated and uncontrolled proliferation, growth, and division of cells that can attack nearby healthy cells and can enter blood vessels and invade organs and metastasize in them. The basis of cancer is the process of oncogenesis which is the formation of a cancer cell that occurs due to mutation in a single cell which in turn attacks surrounding cells, disturbing their cell cycle, breaking the cell wall down, and making them cancerous too. Failure of apoptosis and signaling of pathways to release more and more growth factors is the major reason behind all of this cancer formation process. Cancer can be of different types with the most common being colon cancer, rectal cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and lung cancer.

Causes Of Cancer

Cancer formation can have multiple etiological factors as discussed below

1. Genetic factors
2. Dietary factors like low fiber, high fat, and alcohol consumption,
3. Occupational exposures to rubbers, dyes, PVC, and other hazardous chemicals
4. Smoking,
5. Viral infections like papillomavirus or Epstein-Barr virus,
6. Bacterial infections like Helicobacter Pylori,
7. Parasitic infections including Liver fluke and Schistosoma,
8. Radiation exposures like ultraviolet, nuclear, and radioactive elements,
9. Inflammatory conditions like ulcerative colitis,
10. Hormonal including intake of estrogen pills, etc.

Symptoms Of Cancer

Cancer can be asymptomatic during the first few years but can show sudden symptoms or signs as well. This will depend upon the condition of the patient and the severity of the cancer as well. The symptoms can vary as per the site of the cancer and can include the following

1. Severe night sweats
2. Fatigue
3. Pains
4. Weight loss
5. Swellings or lumps
6. Skin changes
7. Non-healing sores
8. Bleeding
9. Bruising
10. Croaky voice or hoarseness
11. Constant cough
12. Blood in cough
13. Dysphagia
14. Breathlessness
15. Contact heartburn and indigestion
16. Sudden changes to chest or breast
17. Loss of appetite
18. Change in bowel habits
19. Bloody urine
20. Difficulty in opposing urine
21. Bleeding from genitals

Diagnosing

During the process of analyzing someone with cancer, a proper history is required which shall include his history of diseases, treatment, occupation, diet, and addictions. To make a proper diagnosis and management following things shall be considered

• Type of tumor,
• Localization of disease,
• The severity of the disease depends on the TNM staging method –  where T denotes the size and spread of the tumor if any, N denotes the spread of the tumor to lymph nodes, and M denotes metastasis which is the involvement of other parts in the body, and ECOG – Eastern cooperative oncology group performance status,
• Patient’s condition
• Any other illness

The following methods can be used to diagnose cancer

• Ultrasound for localizing cancer,
• Light microscopy to check the structure of cells,
• Immunohistochemistry to detect tumor markers,
• Electron microscopy to check for metastasis
• Cytogenetic analysis to check genetic causes,
• Computerized Tomography scan for imaging of organs,
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging for staging cancers,
• Positron Emission Tomography scan to check the metabolic activity of cancer cells,

Treatment

Treating cancer can include one or multiple procedure mentioned below

• Biopsy to diagnose cancer and also remove them,
• Excision for solid cancers,
• Palliation with surgical procedures, steroids, and symptomatic management drugs,
• Chemotherapy,
• Radiotherapy with ionizing radiations.

Types Of Chemotherapy

Drugs used in chemotherapy are classified based on their mode of action on cancer cells and the overall body. These drugs are mostly given in combinations to avoid resistance development and limit side effects. These drugs can be from different classes with different therapeutic potencies, modes of action, and action pathways. Following are the types/ways by which chemotherapy can be administered

• Oral chemotherapy: – This can be given in the form of pill, syrup, or capsules and are to be given daily.
• Intravenous chemotherapy: – Chemo drugs are injected directly into the vein and are administered after a fixed period.
• Infusion therapy: – This is when chemo drugs are put in a small pump and are carried by the patient slowly and administered slowly over a while.
• Injected chemotherapy: – In this, the chemo medicines are given as a shot every week or a few days. This can be intradermal or intramuscular
• Intraperitoneal chemotherapy: – This approach is better for abdominal cancers and medicines are injected directly into the abdomen.
• Arterial chemotherapy: – Chemo medicines are given into arteries and medicines travel directly to the location of the cancer.
• Topical chemotherapy: – This method is more considerable in the case of skin cancer and can be given in the form of ointments or creams.

PROS AND CONS OF CHEMOTHERAPY

Chemotherapy can present multiple pros and cons depending on its dosage and the condition of the patient as well. If detected at an early stage, the chemotherapy might not cause many side effects but if the cancer has metastasized then the side effects can be more. The following are the pros of chemotherapy

• Prevents from spreading of the cancer,
• Decreases the speed of growth of cancer to increase the longevity of life,
• Kills metastatic cancer cells,
• Gets rid of pain due to cancer,
• Can Treat cancer completely

Chemotherapy cannot differentiate between cancerous and harmful cells and can also damage healthy cells as well which can lead to multiple side effects like

• Nausea,
• Vomiting,
• Hair loss,
• Fatigue,
• Anemia,
• Memory loss,
• Low immunity,
• Infertility,
• Miscarriages if pregnancy is present

Apart from these, chemotherapy can be very expensive and multiple visits may be required which can lead to the mental and physical exhaustion of the patient. Over some time, the body can develop resistance against chemo drugs which can lead to frequent treatment plan changes and a much worse prognosis.

Ayurvedic Overview On Cancers And Chemotherapy

Ayurveda is a known system of medicine that has helped in many cancer cases by suppressing or preventing them. Cancer in Ayurveda is defined in Charak and Sushruta Samhitas as Granthi – minor neoplasm or Arbuda – major neoplasm. The body is made to work in harmony by the balance of all the doshas i.e. Pitta/Fire – the venous system, Vata/air – the nervous system, and Kapha/water – the arterial system. If the tumor is malignant, the tridosha gets vitiated, disturbing the whole of the bodily functions which manifest in the form of multiple signs and symptoms. Vitiated doshas also lead to tissue damage and metabolic crises which in turn leads to proliferation. The Ayurvedic approach mainly is based on four factors

• Prakiritsthapani chikitsa i.e. Maintenance of health,
• Rasyana chikitsa i.e. Normal function restoration,
• Roganashani chikitsa i.e. Treat of disease, and
• Naishthiki chikitsa i.e. Spiritual approach

Ayurvedic herbs work on biochemical pathways in the cells and help to get all vitiated doshas in order along with nourishing the whole body and increasing immunity. In this way, the side effects caused by chemotherapy can also be well managed in the Ayurveda system of medicine.

Planet Ayurveda’s Natural Solutions And Chemotherapy

Ayurvedic medications can help in better outcomes in cancer patients if given at the right doses as they work with chemotherapy drugs to provide better life expectancy for the patient. These medications can also be considered for the patient who is unable to bear chemotherapy. Planet Ayurveda is an Ayurvedic clinic in Punjab and a manufacturer of Ayurvedic medications certified by ISO. The medications are formed strictly based on the principles of Ayurveda mentioned in ancient texts under the strict guidance of MD Ayurveda experts. Planet Ayurveda has come up with an Ayurvedic pack – The Crab Care Pack – for advanced stages, that can both act as an alternative medication for cancer patients and can help in improving the life quality of cancer patients as well. This pack includes

Product Description

1. Kanchnaar Guggul

Kanchnaar guggul is a wonderful remedy that has been used to treat cancers (benign and malignant) since ancient times. Being formulated with Kachnar bark (Bauhinia variegata), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Guggul (Commiphora mukul). It is rich in cytotoxic properties like free radical scavengers, polyphenols, and alkaloids which help in regulating the division of cells and slows down the rate of proliferation of the same as well. It also blocks the inflammatory pathways and stops the release of cancer factors. Apart from all of this, Kanchnaar guggul also helps to get rid of kapha accumulation that might lead to cysts or tumor formations.

Dosage: – 2 tablets after meals, thrice a day with lukewarm water.

2. Telomere Boostup

Telomere boostup is rich with extracts of Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Grapeseed (Vitis vinifera), and Ashwagandha. This medication provides relief from mental symptoms like anxiety and depression due to distress in cancer patients as well as prevents cancer spread by killing the cancer cells. It also prevents cell and organ damage and boosts immunity.

Dosage: – 1 capsule after meals, twice a day with lukewarm water.

3. Curcumin Capsules

Curcumin capsules are the richest and purest source of haridra (Curcuma longa) extracts that are known to balance out all three doshas and strengthen immunity. It also helps to decrease swelling and inflammation in the affected areas. Curcumin also inhibits cancer cell replication and proliferation.

Dosage: – 2 capsules after meals, twice a day with lukewarm water.

4. Vikramprash

This is a herbal multivitamin jam formulation that contains a blend of 47 herbal ingredients like Bilva, Gokshura, Agnimantha, Ashwagandha, Guduchi, Haritaki, Punarnava, and many more. Its main function is to act on our immune system and strengthen it to provide energy and strength to the body to fight disease and undergo detoxification. Apart from this, this medication can also increase the longevity of the patient and controls cancerous growth.

Dosage: – 1 teaspoon after meals, twice a day with lukewarm water.

5. Amalaki Rasayan

With extracts of Emblica officinalis, this herbal formulation helps to balance the appetite and boost the digestion process. It also improves blood quality and quantity which helps in boosting immunity, improves appetite, and increases body strength to fight disease. Being the richest source of vitamin C, amla helps in rejuvenation and regeneration as well.

Dosage: – 1 capsule after meals, twice a day with lukewarm water.

6. Tumo Trim

This formulation contains Shallaki, Tulsi, Maricha, Ashwagandha, Haridra, and Shunthi and can boost the removal of cancer cells from the body along with the pacification of vata and kapha dosha by removing the accumulated kapha in channels which in turn boosts the metabolism of the body and promotes healing.

Dosage: – 1 capsule after meals, twice a day with lukewarm water.

7. Graviola Capsules

These are the herbal capsules containing the purest extract of Graviola i.e. Annona muricata which is known to have anti-cancer effects and promotes the release of cancer-inhibiting factors. Extracts of this plant are rich in more than 500 acetogenins that are known to attack cancer cells and cause their apoptosis and destroy them by depriving them of ATP and sparing healthy cells.

Dosage: – 1 capsule after meals, twice a day with lukewarm water.

8. Swarn Vasant Malti Ras

This is a herbo mineral formulation that is a powerful blend of Tejpatra, Dalchini, Vanshlochan, Amalaki, Brahmi, Sariva, Manjishtha, Ashwagandha, Safe musli, and Vidarikand that is used classically in the treatment of many cancers and it helps with pain and inflammation. It also helps in the rejuvenation of the body and provides strength after suffering from chronic illnesses as well.

Dosage: – 1 tablet after meals, twice a day to be chewed with ghee.

Planet Ayurveda also provides multiple solutions for post-chemotherapy side effects choice and dosage will vary as per the patient’s health and the type of cancer he has suffered from. Some of these are

1. Weight Loss

Cancer patients often are observed suffering from immense weight loss during chemotherapy and healing and they find it very difficult to regain the lost weight as well. Planet Ayurveda has come up with a solution for this named – Weight Gain Formula. Being rich in extracts of Vidanga, Ashwagandha, Pipaali, and Triphala, this remedy is best for boosting metabolism and prompting proper assimilation of nutrients which leads to weight gain. This also improved muscle size and tones and boosts stamina as well.

Dosage: – 1 capsule after meals, twice a day with lukewarm water.

2. Hair Loss

This is a very common side effect observed in most of the patients undergoing or pose chemotherapy. Planet Ayurveda has formed a hair care pack for such patients which helps them re-growing hair that is stronger and healthier. This pack contains Go Richh hair shampoo, conditioner, and oil along with Gleaming hair, nails, skin, and a hair growth formula. All of these help in repairing damaged hair, providing nourishment, and strengthening them.

Dosage

1. Go richh hair oil/shampoo/conditioner – Twice or thrice a week for massage, wash, and conditioning respectively,
2. Gleaming hair, nails, and skin – 1 capsule after meals, twice a day with plain water
3. Hair Growth Formula – 1 capsule after meals, twice a day with plain water

3. Excessive Body Heat

Chemotherapy has this major side effect that is an accumulation of excessive heat in the body which causes heat flushes and night sweats. Pitta balance is one of the best solutions for heat excess in the body as it is rich with extracts of Pishtis and Giloy which are known to provide a cooling effect to the body and get rid of hot flushes and night sweats.  

Dosage: – 1 capsule after meals, twice a day with lukewarm water.

4. Lack of Energy

Be it any chronic disease, lack of energy, or fatigue is the most commonly observed sign and has to be looked after. Planet Ayurveda has come up with Energoplan syrup which is better than many chemical-based energy boosters available in the market. This syrup is rich in extracts of Shatavari, Gokshura, Ashwagandha, and Guggul. Shatavari, gokshura, and Ashwagandha are known to get rid of debility and weakness whereas Guggul contains an active principle guggulsterone that stops the growth of tumor cells and kills them gradually by promoting apoptosis. Along with this, Guggul also helps to get rid of pains, swelling, fevers, and aches associated with cancer.

Dosage: – 2 teaspoons twice daily, after meals.

5. Decreased Platelets

Low platelets are commonly observed after a week of chemotherapy and are more commonly observed in cases related to blood but Planet Ayurveda has formed a very safe and effective solution for this issue named Platoplan capsules and syrup which have extracts of Giloy, Draksha, Shigru, Ashwagandha, Wheatgrass, and Carica Papaya all of which are known to boost the platelet count and maintain it.

Dosage

1. Platoplan capsules – 1 capsule after meals, twice a day with lukewarm water
2. Platoplan syrup – 2 teaspoons twice daily, after meals

Conclusion

Cancer is a cause of concern worldwide with increasing deaths every year and chemotherapy provides a ray of hope to cancer patients. Many new medications and techniques are discovered every day and are put into use but have multiple side effects as well. Ayurveda helps cancer patients while suffering from cancer and even after having chemotherapy sessions. Planet Ayurveda provides the best herbal combinations for cancer patients in the form of herbal and herbo mineral formulations in tablets, capsules, powders, and syrup forms which not only can be used as an alternative but also can help with post-chemotherapy and radiotherapy side effects. Great guidance regarding diet and yogas along with the herbal formulations provided by a team of experts at Planet Ayurveda definitely will lead to improved life quality and expectancy in cancer patients. For more queries regarding diet, yoga, and medications you can always visit our website.