Ayurvedic treatment of a case diagnosed as AIDS and diffuse large B cell lymphoma - Case report

Abstract

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is recognized as the most common form of lymphoma. Among the various subtypes of NHL, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) stands out as the predominant type, constituting approximately 30 percent of all lymphomas. DLBCL has an annual incidence rate of 2.9 per 100,000 in men and 1.5 per 100,000 in women in India. It is a rapidly growing and aggressive form of NHL. A 40-year-old male patient presented with a chief complaint of abdominal pain and discomfort persisting for 4-5 months. The patient had previously been diagnosed with AIDS (Acquired immune deficiency syndrome - a retroviral disease) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) on 29-04-14. Ileal resection had already been performed on 20-01-2014, and the patient received the initial cycle of CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin [Adriamycin], vincristine [Oncovin], prednisolone) chemotherapy on 02-04-14. The MIB index was measured at 70%. The report on 22-04-14 indicated the presence of a few enlarged lymph nodes scattered in the mesentery and paraaortic regions. The patient declined further cycles of chemotherapy. Based on Ayurvedic diagnosis, the patient initially exhibited symptoms resembling Arsha (hemorrhoids) and Gulma (tumor), followed by Grahani Daurbalya (improper digestion). At the time of examination, he had severe Pandu. Considering the pathology and symptomatology, a prescription of Heeraka Bhasma + Chaturmukha Rasa, Triphala + Kapardika Bhasma + Panchamrita Parpati + Patola (Trichosanthus cucmerina) + Dhanvayasa (fegoniacretica), TapyadiLoha + Navyasootashekhara + Vanga + Asthimajja Pachaka (Guduchi + Amalaki + Musta) + Kukkutanakhi (Tectaria coadunate) along with 10 ml of Rohitakarishta and Krimikuthara Rasa was prescribed. After seven months of treatment, the symptoms subsided. No adverse events were reported during the seven-month treatment and follow-up period. In conclusion, this case study demonstrates the safe and effective treatment of these diseases using Ayurveda. It improved the patient's health and quality of life, resolving the issue of swollen lymph nodes. The patient survived for over four years thereafter.