Prolongation of survival time of incurable terminal cancer patients with herbal medicines

Background: The purpose of present study was to know the relation between the four blood groups (A, B, AB, and O) and high academic scores among students of Government medical colleges of North India. Materials and methods: Study was conducted in Department of Physiology, Dr BSA Medical College, Delhi and UCMS, Delhi on 247 medical students both males and females of age group 18-20 years. Blood groups were collected from past medical records during the time of admission and Confirmation was done during the blood grouping practical classes. Blood group, completion test marks, internal assessment marks (theory, practical and viva-voce) in percentage were tabulated. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS 16.0 software. Results: Out of 247 students 98 students were B group, 76 students were O group, 57 students were A group and 16 students were AB group. Total number of Blood group B students (N=22) who scored high marks were more than the other blood group students. While the %age of students of A blood group (29.8%) were more than other blood groups. Conclusion: Though our study showed that there was a variation in the academic scores between the blood groups A, B, O and AB, there was no significant association (p < 0.05) found between any blood group and academic scores. So, the conclusion of our study was that there was no real correlation between blood groups and academic scoring

Alternative Homeopathic Therapy for Cancer Treatment: The Psorinum Therapy.

There is a great scientific debate on homeopathic. However, despite all controversies, it has been observed that homeopathy use among cancer patient is increasing globally. In recent years a homeopathic approach called the „Psorinum‟ therapy have gained tremendous popularity among cancer patients in Kolkata, India. The advocate of this alternative cancer is Dr. Ashim Kumar Chatterjee. However, the treatment method of Dr. Chatterjee differs from classic homeopathy. The central theme of homeopathy “like cure like” in a very tiny dilution is not followed. The specific ailment versus specific medicine concept is followed instead of the concept of specific patient versus specific medicine. His method of cancer treatment is based on low potency (low dilution) homeopathic medicines and all patients received almost same set of medicines for cancer treatment. Before coming to a conclusion that homeopathic works for cancer Dr. Chatterjee researched over 15-20 years with many important low potency homeopathic medicines; however, few of these medicine viz. Psorinum, Phytolacca decandra, Hydrastic canadensis, Thuja occidentalis, Chelidonium majus, Carduus marianus, Crotalus horridus, Lachesis and Naja, gave desirable results. Initially, very few believed that homeopathy can cure cancer, hence, to establish his claim Dr. Chatterjee relied only on objective evidences. He presented many of his cured patients to the oncology forum time to time. A compilation of 25 case reports was also presented to the National Cancer Institute, USA for the „Best Case Series‟ presentation. With solid support of objec tive evidence about effectiveness, oncologists now have a positive opinion about this alternative therapy. The evolution of this therapy is discussed.

A review on an Ayurvedic Approach for Cancer Treatment developed by Vaidya Balendu Prakash.

Though many cancer alternative therapies are popular in India, however, few have been accepted by the convention oncology forum to be effective. The metal based Ayurvedic protocol developed by Vaidya Chandra Prakash and later popularised by his son Vaidya Balendu Prakash is one of such cancer alternative therapy. The first successful treatment of a Hodgkin’s Lymphoma patient with bone metastasis was reported in 1960 with an Ayurvedic preparation called Valipani developed by Vaidya Chandra Prakash. Valipani contained processed mercury, sulphur, iron, harar (Terminalia Chebula) along with bhilava (Semecarpus anacardium), amla (Emblica officinalis), ginger and honey, which was primarily given to the patient to strengthen the bone marrow function. However, the results could not be repeated with the new batch of Valipani, may be because of some problems associated with the medicine preparation. Similar situation was also encountered with another metal based preparation called Amar. In 1980s a new metal based formulation called Navjeevan was prepared and it was found to be effective in the treatment of Myeloma and Lymphoma. In 1984 Vaidya Chandra Prakash passed away, it was then Vaidya Balendu Prakash who convinced the medical fraternity to accept his claims. Later, he patented his formulation and also present 13 successfully treated cancer patients for the ‘Best Case Series’ presentation in National Cancer Institute, USA. The evolution of this alternative metal based Ayurvedic therapy for cancer treatment is discussed.

Attitudes of patients to alternative medicine for cancer treatment.

Awareness of attitudes to different types of medicine is very important for estabishment of cancer prevention programs. Alternative medicine has become an important feature of oncology regardless of geographic region, and in India, the majority of cancer patients present at late advance stage of disease when curative treatment cannot be initiated. Given the lack of facilities it is no surprise that many Indian cancer patients try various complementary and alternative medicines, depsite the fact that little is known about their therapeutic efficacy and toxicity. A study was conducted in 300 biopsy proven cancer patients undergoing alternative cancer therapy with Psorinum in Kolkata. The main aim of the study was to analyze the patients'/caregivers narratives regarding the therapy they have been trying. One hundred and ninety five patients (65%) have consulted their oncologists before trying this therapy. About 18.5% of the patients expressed satisfaction with the therapy due to the holistic nature and team approach employed for patient management. The cost of the therapy was within the reach of many cancer patients belonging to the underprivileged segment of the society, contributing to its immense popularity in Kolkata. Whether this can be translated into a willingness to use similar natural compounds for cancer prevention and treatment purposes now needs to be analysed.

Fight against cancer in countries with limited resources: the post-genomic era scenario.

The enormous advances in science and technology in the 20th century have facilitated the process of globalization with the aim of a better quality of life for all. Paradoxically, the gap between the rich and the poor, for both nations and people, is constantly widening. The actual trends in human genome research are leading towards promising genomic medicine, but it will be expensive and inaccessible for many. Also, it may not offer a quick fix "cure" for various types of cancers. The biggest challenge before the clinicians now is the management of the rising incidence of cancer in developing countries, with little prospect of more resources becoming available to fight the disease. The death rate from cancer in the developing countries is set to rise at least 3-fold by the year 2025 largely due to the increased life expectancy, containment of infectious diseases and changing lifestyles. It is estimated that about 50% of cancers are curable if they are detected early and treated appropriately. Screening has a major role in early diagnosis. However, in the developing world around 80% of cancer patients have late stage incurable disease when they are diagnosed. Moreover, in a developing country like India, about 70% of the population obtain medical help from private practitioners. Nearly half of those who seek medical help utilize alternative and traditional systems of medicine. Appalling poverty, poor hygiene and complex social dynamics, pose major hurdles in this regard. Many in the private sector who call themselves doctors have no medical degree. By 2030 tobacco is expected to kill 10 million people worldwide, out of which 70% of the deaths will occur in the developing countries. Control of usage of tobacco has still not achieved a conducive atmosphere. It is now realized that the research information and knowledge generated in the west may neither be relevant nor applicable to developing countries, due to differences in social and cultural attitudes, lifestyles and lack of sophisticated technologies. Though the sequencing of the human genome will have a major impact on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and outcome of cancer, the cancer scenario in the developing countries for the next 20 years is likely to be more or less the same, rather than presenting a radically different picture. Cancer awareness and screening programs for early detection thus should be continue to be given utmost attention.

Improving cancer care in India: prospects and challenges.

The World Cancer Report, a 351 - page global report issued by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) tells us that cancer rates are set to increase at an alarming rate globally (Stewart and Kleiues 2003). Cancer rates could increase by 50 % to 15 million new cases in the year 2020. This will be mainly due to steadily aging populations in both developed and developing countries and also to current trends in smoking prevalence and the growing adoption of unhealthy lifestyles. The report also reveals that cancer has emerged as a major public health problem in developing countries, matching its effect in industrialized nations. Healthy lifestyles and public health action by governments and health practitioners could stem this trend, and prevent as many as one third of cancers worldwide. In a developing country such as India there has been a steady increase in the Crude Incidence Rate (CIR) of all cancers affecting both men and women over the last 15 years. The increase reported by the cancer registries is nearly 12 per cent from 1985 to 2001, representing a 57 per cent rise in India's cancer burden. The total number of new cases, which stood at 5.3 lakhs Care lakh is 100,000 in 1985 has risen to over 8.3 lakhs today. The pattern of cancers has changed over the years, with a disturbing increase in cases that are linked to the use of tobacco. In 2003, there were 3.85 lakhs of cases coming under this category in comparison with 1.94 lakhs cases two decades ago. Lung cancer is now the second most common cancer among men. Earlier, it was in fifth place. Among women in urban areas, cancer of the uterine cervix had the highest incidence 15 years ago, but it has now been overtaken by breast cancer. In rural areas, cervical cancer remains the most common form of the disease (The Hindu 2004).

Complementary and alternative cancer therapies: past, present and the future scenario.

Use of complementary and alternative therapies is widespread among cancer patients. Throughout the world cancer patients try many questionable or unproven treatment methods. The reasons for adopting these therapies are complex and are related to the social and cultural contexts of their geographical locations. In case of severe illness, the desire to leave no stone unturned is a powerful motivator. In developing countries, ignorance, socioeconomics, and inadequate access to mainstream medical facilities are major factors that play an important role for patients opting for alternative therapies that are replacements for mainstream treatment. Whereas in developed countries a significant proportion of cancer patients try complementary therapies as adjuncts to mainstream care for management of symptoms and to improve quality of life. Many alternative therapies, including pharmacological and biological treatments, remain highly controversial but at the same time are very popular. Evidence from randomized trial supports the value of hypnosis for cancer pain and nausea; relaxation therapy and massage for anxiety; and acupuncture for nausea. This article reviews the different popular alternative cancer therapies practiced in India and neighboring south east Asian countries to project the current international scenario on complementary and alternative cancer therapies.

Herbal medicine: current status and the future.

The number of patients seeking alternate and herbal therapy is growing exponentially. Herbal medicines are the synthesis of therapeutic experiences of generations of practicing physicians of indigenous systems of medicine for over hundreds of years. Herbal medicines are now in great demand in the developing world for primary health care not because they are inexpensive but also for better cultural acceptability, better compatibility with the human body and minimal side effects. However, recent findings indicate that all herbal medicines may not be safe as severe consequences are reported for some herbal drugs. Most herbal products on the market today have not been subjected to drug approval process to demonstrate their safety and effectiveness. Thousand years of traditional use can provide us with valuable guidelines to the selection, preparation and application of herbal formulation. To be accepted as viable alternative to modern medicine, the same vigorous method of scientific and clinical validation must be applied to prove the safety and effectiveness of a therapeutical product. In the present review we attempted to describe the present scenario and project the future of herbal medicine.

Fighting cancer in the information age: the role of Internet.

Cancer is a major health problem worldwide which is likely to assume alarming proportions in the next two decades. Communication and information have increasingly been considered important in helping people to cope with cancer. The arrival of Internet offers the opportunity to fundamentally reinvent medicine and health care delivery. Medical professionals can now use the Internet for continuing medical education, access latest medical information, for fast confirmation of diagnosis, exchange opinion on treatment strategies and in palliative care. Internet can provide cost-effective and timely ways to deliver a complex mix of interesting and high-quality information and expertise to cancer patients. Patients can also independently search the Internet to know about their illness and treatment options. However, of concern is the quality of information that is available in the 'Net'. Some Internet sites may contain erroneous information on cancer and can pose serious problems. There are also many good sites, which provide quality information on cancer for medical professionals, researchers and patients. This article focuses on how the Internet will aid us in fight against cancer.

Snake venom as therapeutic agents: from toxin to drug development.

Snake bite injuries and death are socio-medical problems of considerable magnitude. In India a large number of people suffer and die every year due to snake venom poisoning. Snake venom, though greatly feared, is a natural biological resource, containing several components that could be of potential therapeutic value. Use of snake venom in different pathophysiological conditions has been mentioned in Ayurveda, homeopathy and folk medicine. It is well known that snake venom is complex mixture of enzymes, peptides and proteins of low molecular mass with specific chemical and biological activities. Snake venom contains several neurotoxic, cardiotoxic, cytotoxic, nerve growth factor, lectins, disintrigrins, haemorrhagins and many other different enzymes. These proteins not only inflict death to animals and humans, but can also be used for the treatment of thrombosis, arthritis, cancer and many other diseases. An overview of various snake venom components that have prospects in health and diseases are discussed in this review.