A Comprehensive Management of Stage IV Lung Cancer through Ayurveda – A Single Case Study
Keywords:
Ayurveda, Arbuda, Shodhana, Rasayana, Quality of Life, Lung-CancerAbstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with smoking prevalence among patients nearing 80%. It has the highest incidence and mortality rates in men and second highest in women. This case discusses a stage IV lung cancer patient who underwent radiation and chemotherapy, experiencing severe side effects. The patient was treated with Ayurveda, which included Mriduvirechana (Gentle Detoxification) using Gandarvahastadi Erandataila, followed by Snehapana (Internal Oleation) with Mahakalyanaka Ghrita and Triphala Ghrita. Virechana (Purgation Therapy) was performed using Trivrit Lehya, accompanied by Samsarjana Krama (Post-Purgation Diet) and Rasayana (Rejuvenative) therapy with Shivagutika. Symptoms such as dry cough, chest pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, and skin discoloration reduced by 80%, with significant improvement in the patient's quality of life (QOL). While modern medicine focuses on treating cancer, it has limited solutions for alleviating suffering in advanced stages. This underscores the importance of Ayurveda in improving QOL, especially in terminal stages. The Ayurvedic treatment approach used here Kshayaja/Kshataja Kasa focused on Mridu Shodhana (gentle detoxification) and Brihmana (nourishing therapy). These Ayurveda interventions were effective in enhancing the QOL of a stage IV cancer patient, suggesting that such palliative care approaches merit further research for their potential benefits.
Downloads
Metrics
References
Mohan H. Text book of Pathology. 8th ed. New Delhi: Jaypee Brothers Medical Publications (P) Ltd.; 2019. p. 198-201.
World Health Organization. Global Health Observatory. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2018. Available from: https://www.who.int/gho/database/en/. Accessed June 21, 2018.
Singh N, et al. Lung Cancer in India. J Thorac Oncol. 2021;16(8):1250-1266.
Sushrut Samhita Sutra Sthana, 12th Chapter. Dalhana commentary Nibandha Sangraha. Varanasi: Chowkambha Orientalia, Krishnadas Academy; 2004.
Singh N, et al. Lung Cancer in India. J Thorac Oncol. 2021;16(8):1250-1266.
CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Cancer Society.
WHO-Quality of Life Scale. Available from: http://www.who.int/tools/whoqol.
Karnofsky Performance Scale. Available from: http://www.npcrc.org/files/news/karnofsky_performance_scale.pdf.
Baghel MS. Developing guidelines for clinical research methodology in Ayurveda.
Pain Assessment Scale. Available from: https://pami.emergency.med.jax.ufl.edu/resources/provider-resources/pain-assessment-scales/
Essra Ali Safdar and Nida Ali Safdar (2025). Cross-sectional Retrospective Study on Prescription Pattern of Antihypertensive Medication in Pregnant Women with Gestational Hypertension. Journal of American Medical Science and Research. DOI: https://doi.org/10.51470/AMSR.2025.04.01.01
Jain R, Kosta S, Tiwari A. Ayurveda and cancer. Pharmacognosy Res. 2010 Nov;2(6):393-4. doi: 10.4103/0974-8490.75463. Pandit HSS. Astanga Hridayam Uttara Sthana. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2012. p. 799.
Govinda Dasji. Bhaisajya Ratnavali, Vol 3, Agni Mandya Adhikara. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2009. p. 648-649.
Pandit HSS. Astanga Hridayam Kalpa Sthana. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2012. p. 743.
Rao GP. Sahasrayoga Arishtayoga Prakarana. 21st Chapter. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2021. p. 691-692.
Rao GP. Sahasrayoga Arishtayoga Prakarana. 21st Chapter. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2021. p. 709.
Nikhitha JN, Swathy KS, Chandran RP. In vitro anticancer activity of ethanol extract of Adhatoda vasica Nees on human ovarian cancer cell lines. J Genet Eng Biotechnol. 2021 Aug 5;19(1):116. doi: 10.1186/s43141-021-00215-1
Essra Ali Safdar and Nida Ali Safdar (2024). Mermaid Syndrome- A Systematic Review. Journal of American Medical Science and Research. DOI: https://doi.org/10.51470/AMSR.2024.03.02.25
Therapeutic Potential of Phytochemicals Isolated from Simarouba glauca DC for Inhibiting Cancers
Essra Ali Safdar and Nida Ali Safdar (2024). Bobblehead Syndrome- A Systematic Review. Journal of American Medical Science and Research. DOI: https://doi.org/10.51470/AMSR.2024.03.02.23
Vikas B, Kunjiraman S, Rajam SS, Anil S. The Apoptotic Properties of Leaf Extracts of Simarouba glauca against Human Leukemic Cancer Cells. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2021 Apr;22(4):1305.
Essra Ali Safdar and Nida Ali Safdar (2024). Pantoprazole induced angioedema - A Case Report. Journal of American Medical Science and Research. DOI: https://doi.org/10.51470/AMSR.2024.03.02.15
Murthy KRS. Astanga Sangraha of Vagbhata Uttarasthana Rasayana Adhyaya. 2012; p. 49/169.
Shilajit in Cancer Treatment: Probable Mode of Action.
Govinda Dasji. Bhaisajya Ratnavali, Vol 3, Netra Roga Adhikara. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2009. p. 257-262, 304-305.
Poonam, Manjusha R, Vaghela DB, Shukla VJ. A clinical study on the role of Akshi Tarpana with Jeevantyadi Ghrita in Timira (Myopia). Ayu. 2011 Oct;32(4):540-5. doi: 10.4103/0974-8520.96130.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
You are free to:
- Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
- Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.
Terms:
- Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
- No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.
