Pune: Senior citizens with cancer now have a promising new treatment option thanks to research conducted by Ayurvedic practitioners in Pune.
The study, recognized by the esteemed 'Journal of Clinical Oncology' at the 'American Society of Clinical Oncology 2024' (ASCO) conference in Chicago, reveals that Ayurvedic Rasayana therapy can significantly improve the quality of life for elderly cancer patients.
The research highlights reductions in anxiety and depression among patients, proving that Ayurvedic Rasayana therapy is both safe and effective. Led by Vaidya Yogesh Bendale, Avinash Kadam, Poonam Gawande, and Dr. Dhanashree Ingle, the study involved 167 senior cancer patients over three years.
Why Was the Research Conducted?
Due to advanced age and other illnesses, patients often do not qualify for cancer treatments or have to stop due to side effects. Some cancer patients are unwilling to undergo Western medical treatments for various reasons.
To offer an alternative, the researchers sought options for elderly patients in advanced stages of cancer who were not responding well to existing treatments.
How Was the Research Conducted?
Between 2020 and 2023, a study was conducted on cancer patients aged 65 and older. Out of 1010 senior cancer patients, 167 eligible patients were studied. These included patients in advanced stages of cancer and those with other ailments.
Only those who had undergone Ayurvedic Rasayana therapy for six months or more were included. Various quality of life outcomes were recorded three and six months after starting the treatment.
What Were the Findings?
There was an improvement in the quality of life of patients.
Anxiety and depression were reduced.
Positivity increased among patients, enhancing their ability to fight the disease.
Ayurvedic Rasayana therapy was found to be safe and effective by various global standards.
Due to its ease of administration at home and orally, more elderly patients in advanced stages of cancer were inclined to undergo this treatment.
Rasayana therapy can be considered a viable option for senior citizens with cancer, and more research is needed to benefit more patients.
Vaidya Yogesh Bendale of Rasayu Cancer Clinic said, "Ayurvedic Rasayana therapy provides an alternative for this segment of society, offering improved satisfaction and quality of life to patients. This approach, along with a research-oriented perspective, is a hallmark of Rasayu Cancer Clinic."