What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is a traditional system of Indian medicine and has originated in India 5000 years ago. Ayurveda strongly preaches that health and wellness of an individual depends on delicate balance between mind, body, and spirit. “Ayurveda” is derived from the Sanskrit words “ayur” which means life and “veda” which means knowledge or science. So “Ayurveda” means knowledge or science of life.
Ayurveda strongly believes that disease is caused by imbalance of doshas. Doshas are the governing principles of the body, and determines the physical and mental well-being of an individual. The three doshas are 1) Vata (Air), 2) Pitta (Fire), and 3) Kapha (Earth and Water). Every individual has a unique combination of doshas, and further doshas in balance and harmony improves health and well-being of an individual. Imbalance in the doshic constitution of an individual leads to illness.
Ayurvedic treatment focuses on restoring balance and harmony between the doshas. Different methods has been employed to achieve balance and harmony between the doshas:
1) Diet: A healthy and a wholesome diet promote health and well-being of an individual. So a proper diet management proves beneficial in cancer patients.
2) Lifestyle Management: Certain lifestyle modalities like doing daily regular exercises, yoga, meditation, and proper sleep proves beneficial in cancer patients.
3) Herbal remedies: Certain herbal remedies mentioned in Ayurveda or combination of different herbs proves beneficial in cancer patients.
What is Pancreas/ अग्न्याशय?
Pancreas is one of the most vital organ in the body and is located behind the stomach. Pancreas plays a vital role in assimilation of the food and helps to regulate blood sugar in the body. Pancreas imparts two main functions in the body: 1) Exocrine and 2) Endocrine.
1) Exocrine Function: The pancreas facilitates in digestion and assimilation in the body. It produces ‘digestive enzymes and bicarbonates that is released in the small intestine and further helps in digestion of the food. Pancreas helps to break down carbohydrates, protein, and fats into small molecules and it is further readily absorbed in the body.
2) Endocrine Function: Pancreas also contains clusters of cells called as islets of Langerhans and it further produces insulin and glucagon. Insulin and Glucagon helps to regulate the blood sugar in the body. Insulin helps to lower blood sugar level in the body and promotes glucose utilization in the body. Glucagon raises blood sugar level in the body and facilitates in releasing sugar stored in the liver to be released in the blood.
It should be well known that pancreas plays a vital role in digestion and assimilation of the food, and further helps to regulate blood sugar level in the body.
What is Pancreatic Cancer/ अग्न्याशय अर्बुद?
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the tissues of the pancreas. It is a well-known fact that pancreatic cancer are aggressive in nature with poor overall survival. Cancer of Pancreas is usually diagnosed at advanced stages mostly at locally infiltrated or a metastatic stage. Early stage diagnosis of Cancer of Pancreas is mostly incidental and is usually diagnosed in the patients undergoing scan for another pathologies.
As described above pancreas consist of two different types of cells that do exocrine and endocrine functions of the pancreas. So the cancer of the pancreas if of two different types: 1) Exocrine Pancreatic Cancer and 2) Endocrine Pancreatic Cancer (Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors).
Exocrine Pancreatic Cancer is the most common type of pancreatic cancer and primarily arise from the exocrine cells of the pancreas. Adenocarcinoma is the most common subtype of Exocrine Pancreatic Cancer and primarily originates in the ductal cells of the pancreas called as Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Endocrine Pancreatic Cancer (Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors) is the least common type of pancreatic cancer that originate in the hormone producing cells of the pancreas.
Smoking and obesity significantly increases the risk of the pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic Cancer is also known as ‘Silent Disease’ and is often diagnosed at advanced stage. So avoiding tobacco smoking, doing daily regular exercise, and consuming health diet is key to lower the risk of pancreatic cancer.
The 5-year overall survival from pancreatic cancer is relatively low and particularly in case of metastatic pancreatic cancer. So early detection and prompt treatment is most important for the increased survivability from pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic Cancer Statistics Worldwide
Pancreatic Cancer is a significant global health concern and globally is the 12th most common type of cancer. Pancreatic Cancer is notorious and has a poor prognosis.
A) There were approximately 495,773 new cases of pancreatic cancer diagnosed globally. The highest rate of pancreatic cancer is observed in Hungary, Uruguay, and Japan. Burden of pancreatic cancer is less in India and it ranks around 24th in terms of total cancer incidence in India.
B) Globally the pancreatic cancer has a high mortality rate and account for approximately 466,003 deaths in year 2020. The death rate has slightly increased in men and remained relatively stable in women. Pancreatic Cancer is 07th leading cause of cancer related deaths and five year overall survival is considerably low. In India pancreatic cancer related deaths is relatively low and 18th leading cause of mortality in India.
C) Pancreatic Cancer is a global health concern and highest incidence of cancer in India is in the northeastern region, particularly Mizoram. It is also well known fact prognosis of cancer is poor due to late stage diagnosis.
A proper collection and analysis of the statistics of the pancreatic cancer cases is need of the hour for improving the pancreatic cancer treatment related outcomes. The same data can be utilized by the government agencies for better implementation of pancreatic cancer related awareness programmes and improving better access to health care services thereby facilitating early detection of the pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic Cancer Epidemiology
Pancreatic Cancer is influenced by multiple risk factor ranging from certain lifestyle habits, certain genetic predispositions, and certain medical conditions. Below is mentioned causative factors for pancreatic cancer:
1) Smoking is one of the most important risk factor for developing pancreatic cancer and smokers are approximately twice as likely to develop pancreatic cancer compared to non-smokers. Long term smoking exposure causes certain DNA damage that predisposes an individual to develop pancreatic cancer.
2) Consuming diet rich or high in processed fats and red meat increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. Increased consumption of saturated fats and alcohol also significantly predisposes an individual to increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Contrary to above factors, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of pancreatic cancer.
3) Obesity also significantly increases the risk factor of developing pancreatic cancer. The increased risk factor of pancreatic cancer in obese individual can be attributed to insulin resistance.
4) Certain genetic mutations like BRCA2, PALB2, FAMMM etc. increases an individual risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Certain genetic mutations that causes chronic pancreatitis also increases an individual risk factor of developing pancreatic cancer.
5) It is a observed fact that long-standing diabetes or recent-onset diabetes is associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. The associative factor between Pancreatic Cancer and Diabetes is still to be known.
6) Long term exposure to certain chemical used in metal work industries or different types of herbicides and pesticides used in Agricultural sectors can increase an individual risk of developing Pancreatic Cancer.
Types of Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is primarily categorized based on the type of cell from which cancer has originated. Further is elaborated certain main types of pancreatic cancer:
A) Exocrine Pancreatic Cancer: Exocrine pancreatic cancers are the most common type of pancreatic cancer and accounts for almost 95% of all pancreatic cancer diagnosed. These type of pancreatic cancer originates in the exocrine cells of the pancreas. Exocrine cells produces digestive enzymes. The primary subtypes of exocrine pancreatic cancer are:
- Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent form of exocrine pancreatic cancer and originates in the ducts of the pancreas. It is also called as Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
- Acinar Cell Carcinoma: Acinar Cell Carcinoma is a rare subtype of exocrine pancreatic cancer that originates in the acinar cells. Acinar cells produces digestive enzymes.
- Adenosquamous Carcinoma: Adenosquamous Carcinoma is also a rare subtype of exocrine pancreatic cancer and contains components of both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
- Colloid Carcinoma: Colloid Carcinoma is a rare subtype and is characterized by mucus production.
- Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma: Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma is named by the appearance of cancer cells and under the microscope it resembles signet cells.
- Undifferentiated Carcinoma: Undifferentiated Carcinoma consist of osteoclast like giant cells and lacks specific differentiation.
B) Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Tumors (NETs): Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Tumors (NETs) is also known as islet cell tumors and is less common. It develop from hormone producing cells of the pancreas. The certain subtypes of Neuroendocrine Pancreatic Tumors (NETs) include:
- Insulinomas: Insulinomas is characterized by excessive production of insulin.
- Gastrinomas: Gastrinomas is characterized by excessive production of gastrin and it lead to gastric ulcers.
- Glucagonomas: Glucagonomas is characterized by excessive production of glucagon leading to diabetes like symptoms.
- Somatostatinomas: Somatostatinomas is characterized by excessive production of somatostatin. Excessive production of somatostatin leads to inhibition of various hormonal functions.
- VIPomas: VIPomas is characterized by excessive production of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Excessive production of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) leads to severe diarrhea and electrolyte imbalance.
- Non-functional NETs: In Non-functional NETs no excessive production of hormone is there and but can cause pressure symptoms due to tumor growth.
C) Other Less Common Types of Pancreatic Cancer: Less common types of pancreatic cancer are rare but not typical:
1) Sarcomas: Sarcomas of the Pancreas originates in the connective tissues of the pancreas.
2) Lymphomas: Lymphomas of the Pancreas originates in the lymphatic tissues of the pancreas.
It is well known fact that Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have a poor prognosis and is often diagnosed at late stage. Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) of the pancreas generally has a better prognosis and tends to be less aggressive than exocrine cancers of pancreas.
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic Cancer mostly does not cause symptoms in earlier stages and so is rarely detected until advanced stages of cancer is reached. However, as the pancreatic cancer progresses many symptoms can be visible. Further is mentioned some common symptoms of pancreatic cancer:
1) Jaundice: Jaundice in Pancreatic Cancer is evident by gradual yellowing of the skin and eyes. Jaundice is also evident by dark colored urine and pale colored stools. This is caused obstruction or blockage of the bile duct by tumor. Early stenting of the bile duct is advisable to relieve from the symptoms of the Jaundice.
2) Pain in the abdomen: Pancreatic Cancer is also evident by pain in upper abdomen and the pain may radiate to the back. The pain may be constant or intermittent, and may gradually worsens as the disease progresses.
3) Unintended Weight Loss: Weight loss in Pancreatic Cancer is unintended and happens without trying to do so. Weight loss in Pancreatic Cancer can be of moderate or severe grade in nature.
4) New-Onset Diabetes: Pancreatic cancer can affects the ability of pancreas to produce insulin and it may leads to Diabetes. Pancreatic cancer can even lead to worsening of pre-existing diabetes.
Other symptoms of pancreatic cancer can be loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, changes in stools, thrombosis, back pain, bloating etc.
It is important to note that all the above mentioned symptoms could be present in wide range of diseases, so it is important to consult a health care provider.
Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
Pancreatic Cancer depends on several factors and includes ‘Stage of the Cancer’ like 1) Early Stage, 2) Loco-Regional Spread, and 3) Metastatic Spread. Treatment of the Cancer also depends on the patients overall health and individual choices. The main treatment option of pancreatic cancer are:
1) Surgery: a) Whipple Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy). b) Distal Pancreatectomy. c) Total Pancreatectomy.
2) Radiation Therapy.
3) Chemotherapy.
4) Targeted Therapy.
5) Immunotherapy.
It is important to note that every case of pancreatic cancer is unique and will require meticulous treatment planning and implementation. Prognosis largely depends upon individual factors some cases responding greatly to a given treatment plan while some do not. So a dynamic treatment plan is necessity of the time for a greater benefit of the patient.
Pancreatic Cancer/अग्न्याशय अर्बुद in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, for pancreatic cancer no such specific disease term is mentioned but it’s “Dosh Samprapti or Etiopathology” can be compared as mentioned under the roga called ‘Arbuda/अर्बुद’. Arbuda/अर्बुद can be compared with many types’ of solid tumors but not all, and pancreatic cancer is one such cancer that stands out differently.
But it is important to note that the composition and set of doshas (vitiated Kapha and Vata Dosha) which when affects Mansha dhatu causes ‘Arbuda/अर्बुद, and when the same set of doshas affects Raktha dhatu causes ‘Pancreatic Cancer or अग्न्याशय अर्बुद .
In Arbuda/अर्बुद, balanced vata dosha which is responsible for controlled cell division, and balanced kapha dosha provides the building blocks for healthy cell growth and necessary signals for cell growth. And when both get vitiated it leads to uncontrolled cell growth due to sustained proliferative signalling, and further spread to different part of bodies. So, when same composition of doshas affects Raktha Dhatu in terms of Pancreas/ अग्न्याशय can cause Cancer of Pancreas or अग्न्याशय अर्बुद, as Pancreas is originated from Raktha Dhatu.
Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer/ अग्न्याशय अर्बुद in Ayurveda
Ayurveda is many centuries old indigenous system of Indian medicine and is well known since ancient days in preventing or suppressing various neoplasm or tumours. Although nowadays modern scientists and researcher seems keener to know more about Ayurveda and its way of living but wisdom of the Ayurveda remains the same.
The main goal of Ayurveda Science is to find the cause of the Cancer and prevent it from originating while the therapeutic approach of Ayurveda in Cancer is divided into two major categories: –
A) Oral medications.
B) Panchakarma and its allied different karmas.
Oral Medications
In Ayurveda there are multiple formulations containing herbal as well as herbo metallic drugs mentioned in texts which help in treating Pancreatic Cancer depending on the stage of the Pancreatic Cancer. Below we will discuss few such formulations which is beneficial in Pancreatic Cancer.
1) Tamra Sindoor/ ताम्र सिन्दूर in Pancreatic Cancer
Tamra Sindoor is one of the potent kupipakwa rasayan and a herbomineral formulation. Tamra Sindoor is a traditional Ayurvedic Medicine and is used in treatment of various diseases. Tamra Sindoor proves beneficial in diseases of Rakthajanya and Arbuda of Vata-Kaphaj origin. Tamra Sindoor is of Lekhana Guna and is useful in Kaphaj Granthi and Gulma. Kupipakwa Rasayan are more potent formulations and have anti-cancer effects.
The composition of Tamra Sindoor is Shudha Parada (Purified Mercury), Shudha Gandhak (Purified Sulphur), and Shudha Tamra. Astha Samskarita Parada is titrated with Shudha Gandhaka and Kajjali is prepared. Kajjali is filled in the Kacha Kupi and later pieces of Shodhita Tamra is added above that. Kachakupi is then placed in the Valooka Yantra and Kramagni for 36 hours is given. Later then Kachakupi is let to be swangasheeta and Tamra Sindoor is collected from the Kantha Bhaga
Therapeutic properties of Tamra Sindoor
a) Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory: Tamra Sindoor is a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial in nature. Tamra Bhasma through its anti-inflammatory action proves extremely beneficial in pancreatic cancer patients.
b) Digestive Disorders: Tamra Sindoor proves beneficial in managing digestive issues in pancreatic cancer patients and helps to deal with indigestion, acidity, and other gastrointestinal disorders.
c) Rejuvenative Properties: Tamra Sindoor has rejuventive properties and proves a general tonic in pancreatic cancer patients.
Suvarna Soothshekhar Rasa in Pancreatic Cancer
Suvarna Soothshekhar Rasa is a traditional Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation and has a potent therapeutic benefits. Suvarna Soothshekhar Rasa is used in treatment of multiple digestive disorders, respiratory disorders, and is a potent rejuvenative properties. Suvarna Soothshekhar Rasa proves extremely beneficial in pancreatic cancer.
Composition and Preparation of Suvarna Soothshekhar
Shudha Parada (Purified Mercury), Shudha Gandhaka (Purified Sulphur), Suvarna Bhasma (Ash of Gold), Tankana Bhasma, Shudha Vastanabha, Shankha Bhasma etc. The above mixture is titrated with juice of eclipta alba and pills is rolled out.
Therapeutic benefits of Suvarna Soothshekar
a) Digestive Disorders: Suvarna Soothshekar proves beneficial in multiple digestive disorders like hyperacidity, indigestion, peptic ulcers, and gastritis in Pancreatic Cancer patients.
b) Respiratory Disorders: Suvarna Soothshekhar proves beneficial respiratory disorders the pancreatic cancer patients is suffering from like Asthma, Cough, and Bronchitis.
c) Nervous System: Suvarna Soothshekhar proves beneficial in nervous system as a nervine tonic in Pancreatic Cancer Patients.
d) Cardiac Health: Suvarna Soothshekhar Rasa proves beneficial in multiple cardiac health issues in Pancreatic Cancer patients.
Shigru Guggul/ शिग्रु गुग्गुल in Pancreatic Cancer
Shigru Guggul is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation and is prepared from Shigru (Moringa oleifera) and Guggul (Commiphora mukul). Shigru Guggul is prepared from decoction of Shigru (Moringa oleifera) and extract of Guggul. Shigru Guggul is Deepana, Pachana, and has Kaphavatahara properties. Shigru Guggul is advised in multiple ailments like Galganda, Arbuda, Sotha, Apachi, Vrana, Medoroga, Gulma etc.
As per modern research Shigru (Moringa oleifera) proves extremely beneficial in Pancreatic Cancer patients. Moringa Oleifera inhibits the growth on pancreatic cancer cells and it increases the efficacy of chemotherapy in Pancreatic Cancer. It also inhibits NF-B signalling pathway.
Further is described therapeutic benefits of Shigru Guggul:
a) Anti-oxidant and Anti-Inflammatory: Shigru Guggul reduces inflammation in the body and so protects the cells from the oxidative stress. So due to it potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects Shigru Guggul proves beneficial in pancreatic cancer.
b) Supporting Metabolism: Shigru Guggul supports metabolism in pancreatic cancer patients and support lipid metabolism. Shigru Guggul also help to reduce cholesterol level in pancreatic cancer patients.
c) Maintaining Healthy Weight: Shigru Guggul provides nutritional support to pancreatic cancer patients and helps to maintains weight in Pancreatic Cancer Patients. It is well known fact that pancreatic cancer patients suffers from extreme weight loss and so Shigru Guggul proves beneficial helps to maintain weight.
Panchakarma
Panchakarma is composed two words so called 1) Pancha – Five and 2) Karma – Actions. Accordingly, Panchakarma essentially means 5 karmas or actions that is used to detoxify or to do shuddhikaran of the body. It includes Vaman, Virechan, Basti, Raktamokshan, and Nasya. However some other procedures are also involved in the list of Panchakarma and the list can beyond five.
Yapana Basti/ यापन बस्ती in Pancreatic Cancer
‘Yapana’ means to sustain or to maintain and ‘Basti’ means to give Ayurvedic medicated enema. So by ‘Yapana Basti’ it means ‘A basti which sustains life’. Yapana Basti is indicated in chronic and critical conditions like pancreatic cancer etc. Yapana Basti is unique in its own way that it carries both ‘Shodhana – Purification of Doshas’ and ‘Brihana – Nourishment’ at the same time.
Yapana Basti proves beneficial in Majja, Asthi, and Masma Dhosas Vyadi (Diseases) and it’s unique in its own way that in can be given to healthy individual. Yapana Basti helps to maintain health and weight in Pancreatic Cancer patients.
About Team ‘Cancer in Ayurveda’
Our Team ‘Cancer In Ayurveda’ consists of Ayurvedic practitioners who are dedicated to providing patients with the best possible care for cancer. We at Team ‘Cancer In Ayurveda’ believe that Ayurveda can complement modern medicine and provide patients with a more comprehensive approach to their care. Our personalized approach to treatment, extensive knowledge of Ayurvedic herbs, use of Panchakarma, and modern parameters make us one of the most dynamic teams of Ayurvedic cancer experts in Mumbai.
We at Team ‘Cancer In Ayurveda’ are committed to helping patients manage their condition effectively and provide them with the support and guidance they need throughout the process.
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