Role of Ayurveda in symptomatic management of pancreatic neuro endocrine tumor - An experience

Abstract

The incidental diagnosis of neoplasms has greatly increased due to the widespread use of advanced imaging techniques. Pancreatic neuroendocrinal tumors (pNET) comprise 7% of the neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) that can be functional or nonfunctional. Nonfunctional pNETs are more common, which may further extend to the liver and produce symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, and abdominal pain. A 47-year-old male, presented with loss of appetite, anorexia, weakness, and weight loss for the past three months. The patient was diagnosed with pNET and underwent precut sphincterotomy, common bile duct stenting, and Whipple surgery. Recurrent fever with previous complaints persisted even after surgery. The patient was advised to go for further operative procedures but he denied and decided to take Ayurveda treatment. Punarnavashtaka kwatha, Syrup Livomyn, Rohitakarishta, Avipattikara churna, Kutaki churna, and polyherbal decoction prepared with Bhumyamalaki (Phyllanthus niruri Linn.), Patolapatra (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia [Willd.] Miers.), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa Linn.), Rakta chandana (Pterocarpus santalinus Linn.), Parpataka (Fumaria parviflora Lam.), and Kiratatikta (Swertia chirata Buch.-Ham. ex Wall.) were prescribed after a thorough examination of the patient. After five months of treatment, the patient got relief from weakness, anorexia, and recurrent fever. Liver functions showed a significant improvement after the treatment. The patient had gained a body weight of four kg and he is able to do his day-to-day activities without lethargy.