Management of Adverse Effects of Chemotherapy in Ovarian Cancer through Ayurveda: A Case Report

Abstract

Cancer is a condition where abnormal cells multiply uncontrollably and can invade nearby tissues. Only 30% of women with ovarian cancer can expect to live for more than 5 years, as 70% of cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Ovarian malignancies account for about 15 to 20% of genital malignancies. Surgical intervention and chemotherapy are conventional measures used to treat these conditions. However, due to the specific side effects of chemotherapy, there is a high demand for safer ayurvedic interventions. Hereby, the authors present, a 54-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and advised to undergo chemotherapy. After completing six cycles of chemotherapy, administered once every four weeks for six months, the patient experienced complaints of anorexia, nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, and a burning sensation in the stomach and lower limbs. Despite taking antacids and other suggested medications by the oncologist, the symptoms did not subside. Therefore, the patient sought ayurvedic treatment. Shaman Ayurvedic Chikitsa (Jawahar Mohra Pisti, Keharva Pisti, Swarna Makshik, Mukta Pisti), Shatavari Ghrita, Turmeric Kwath, and Pathya Vihar were prescribed for three consecutive months. After 5-7 days, the patient noticed significant relief in the aforementioned symptoms and felt better. The frequency of vomiting, complaints of anorexia, and burning sensation were also significantly reduced. After three months of ayurvedic treatment, the functions of Apana Vayu, Samana Vayu, and Pachaka Pitta were normalised through appropriate treatment. The selected combination of ayurvedic medicines provided relief due to their Vata-Pitta Shamak, Sheeta guna, and Pittahara properties, which alleviated the burning sensation. In present case report, the aforementioned ayurvedic prescription significantly reduced the adverse effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy due to its Vata-Pitta Shamak and Pittahara properties

Keywords

• anorexia
• ayurvedic treatment
• carcinoma
• nausea
• ovarian
• vomiting