Improved quality of life of a patient with refractory aggressive Natural Killer/ T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) on adjunct Ayurvedic treatment protocol: A case report of ten-years follow-up

Abstract

In an Indian female patient diagnosed as an aggressive refractory Natural Killer/T-cell Lymphoma treated with radiotherapy followed by chemotherapy, long term overall survival (OS) of 10 years was achieved. She refused Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) after relapse and opted 2nd line chemotherapy. After completion of conventional treatment, she started Oral Ayurvedic Medicines (OAM) which possess immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and to a certain extent anti-cancer activity.

This female patient was diagnosed with Stage IIE NK/T-cell Lymphoma and treated with radiotherapy from May to July 2011 followed by 6 cycles of R – CHOP Protocol from August to November 2011. Within 3 months after completion of conventional treatment, the patient presented with a recurrence of palatal ulcer and the appearance of tender subcutaneous nodules on both legs. She visited Cancer Hospital for a further line of treatment. Her histopathological report of soft palate ulcer showed suspicion of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) and a subcutaneous nodule over her right leg revealed cutaneous involvement by NHL. Oncologist advised Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) after taking into consideration an early relapse and aggressiveness of the disease. However, the patient refused BMT and opted 6 cycles of SMILE protocol chemotherapy taken from October 2012 to January 2013. The patient is under OAM of our centre consisting of a well-planned and personalized 6 sets of herbo-mineral metallic Ayurvedic medicines to minimize the side effects of chemotherapy as well as to boost immunity to prevent further recurrence of the disease. Her quality of life is improved significantly without any disease recurrence to date.

In this case of Refractory Natural Killer/T-cell Lymphoma having poor prognosis, 10 years OS after starting Ayurvedic treatment is reported. It has been achieved by personalized adjunct Ayurvedic treatment consisting combination of oral herbo-mineral metallic medicines.