Remission in a Relapse Case of Acute Promyelocytic Leukaemia for Twenty-two years using Metal Based Ayurvedic Treatment: A Case Report

Abstract

Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APML) is a form of blood cancer. The general symptoms of the disease include anaemia, fatigue, weakness and fever marked by thrombocytopenia, leucopenia and in some cases pancytopenia. Easy bleeding and coagulopathy associated with APML make it fatal, if not readily managed. Although new contemporary treatment options have been able to improve the prognosis in APML patients to a large extent, relapse of the disease is still noted in some cases. Also, the conventional therapies have their share of associated adverse effects and not all patients are physically and psychologically ready to bear them. Some patients, in such scenario, seek solace in alternative treatment options. In this case report, we discuss a case of APML who opted for Ayurvedic treatment in relapsed state of the disease. The patient was treated with metal based Ayurvedic formulations and achieved remission within weeks. Now the patient completes twenty-two years of disease free survival without experiencing any side effect. Chemistry, pharmacology and many other aspects related to the used Ayurvedic formulations remain unknown and need to be explored systematically.