Report on 4th international conference of integrative oncology Cochin

 

Report on 4th international conference of integrative oncology at Cochin Feb 2020

Conventional Oncology Care Versus AYUSH modalities.

AYUSH streams can be used as –

1. Fields of integration (either after treatment or along with )eg- oral thrush, radiation mucositis, alopecia, discoloration, fibrosis, atrophy)
2. Complementary therapies (for physiological balance. Eg- Cancer related fatigue CRF)
3. Alternative therapies. (either when benefits of  S/P- CT/RT is not beneficial)
4. Adjuvant and neo adjuvant therapies.(to regain blood count, or where low count contra indicates therapies
5. Rejuvenating therapies (stabilizing homeostatsis after treatment, regain of papillae in tongue to regain taste sensation)
6. Optimizing physiological balances.(aplastic anemia, electroloyte imbalances, protein loss, weight loss)
7. Addressing Post treatment sequelae.(emotional, psychological, mood changes, panic attacks, fear of recurrence, control of intervening infections)
8. Metastatic carcinomas.( brain and bone involvement, lung nodules in pre existing primaries where more chemo radiation is not possible)
9. Aged malignancies where treatment is optional.( benefits and cost of treatment outweighs status of the patient especially where multi drug regimen is planned, or where targeted therapies or immune therapy is planned.
10. Levels of malignancy where immunotherapy is indicated but nor feasible.
11. Triple negative and double negative breast cancers.(where trastuzumab or tamoxifine is less sensitive or not beneficial)
12. Hepato biliary malignancies with co morbidities.(high PT-INR, history of CLD, where TACE / RFA is not possible)
13. Pancreatic malignancies.(especially post whipples surgery, with liver metastasis, with obstructive jaundice where PTBD stenting is not possible)
14. Stage ¾ lung malignancies (especially with low performance status ,EGFR –ve, or with low body weight or with dissemination where CT or RT is not feasible)
15. Relapse in hematological malignancies.(especially in childhood malignancies, where BMT is advised but with bizarre results)
16. Tumor markers upsurge after conventional treatments.(CA-125, CEA, CA19.9, PSA, AFP)
17. Recurrence in post surgical cases.(Glioma, lymphomas, for neurological focal deficits, CA colon, Ca Bladder where repeated TURBT is not giving relief.
18. Lymph node metastasis.( continuous fever)
19. Esophageal malignancies where low EF contra indicates chemo radiation.
20. CA stomach – inoperability with cachexia , post surgical vomiting, post surgical flatus
21. Urinary bladder malignancies where repeated TURBT is not giving stability
22. Cervical cancer where chemo radiation is risky due to advanced stages or low physiological status.

Therapeutic goals

1. Primary cyto-reduction
2. Control of intervening infections
3. Metastatic foci reversal
4. Lymph node regression
5. Quality of life
6. Enhancement of survival rate.
7. Optimizing the organism fit for essential interventions like chemo radiation or surgical.
8. Physiological equilibrium.
9. Reduction of the pace of Metastasis.

Day 1 :  8th Feb 2020 – Forenoon

Inaugural Session
Chief Guest
Dr Michael Dixon –  Chair, College of Medicine & Integrative Health U.K., Personal Physician to Prince Charles, Visiting Professor, University of Westminister & University College, London

Guests of Honor
Dr Abdu Samad Samadani – Former MLA, MP
Shri Pradee Narang – Chairman, Shri Aurobindo Society
Shri Reji Abraham,  Managing Director, Aban Group 
Shri Madhavan Nambiar IAS – Former Civil Aviation Secretary, GoI
Dr Issac Mathai – Co-Founder, Dr Mathai’s International Holistic Health Centre
Dr Eswaradas – Chairman, GHF

Felicitations
Dr Velavan – Radiation Oncologist, Director – Erode & Bangalore Cancer Center.
Dr KM Madhu – Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala
Dr Jayesh V Sanghavi – Vice Chairman GHF
Dr Sandeep Roy – Chairman, Organizing Committee
Dr Piyush Josh – Secretary General, HMAI
Dr T K Harindranath – President, IHMA

Vote Of Thanks
Dr Sreevals Menon – Managing Trustee, GHF

Inaugural Messages from Dr Michael Dixon U.K. & others.
Inaugurating the event, Dr Michael Dixon called upon integration in action of various medical streams while combating diseases. He said that integration in action has become imperative because of increased prevalence of obesity, diabetes and other long-term diseases, depression, stress and cancer. Dr Dixon pointed out that anti-microbial resistance over prescription of opiates and over prescription of conventional medicine have compounded the situation.

He pointed out that even as these issues persist back home in UK, NHS England banned herbal and homeopathic medicine while Royal College of General Practitioners asked GPs not to offer Homeopathy and National Institute for Clinical Excellence changed guidelines on palliative care and back pain.

He, however, said the good news is that at last AYUSH has arrived in UK with College of Medicine and Integrated Health taking the lead and it is also forming an Integrated Medical Alliance apart from organizing a yoga conference.

He said that integration of medical systems was of paramount importance in oncology for prevention, treatment, treating side effects of conventional medicine and preventing recurrence. He stressed up on the need for art interventions like reading, singing and dancing in groups in order to bust the stress of the patients apart from going for a robust regime of exercises.

Dr Issac Mathai vouched for the need of Integration while Shri Samadani highlighted on the impact of AYUSH in the current times.

Those who addressed the inaugural function included Dr Jayesh Sanghavi, Vice Chairman GHF;  Dr T K Harindranath, President, Indian Homeopathic Medical Association; Dr Piyush Joshi, Secretary-General, Homeopathic Medical Association of India, Mr Reji Abraham, Managing Director, Aban Group; Abdu Samad Samadani, Patron GHF; Dr Eswaradas, Chairman, GHF; Dr Pradeep Narang, Patron-GHF and Chairman, Sri Aurobindo Society, Bangalore; Dr Issac Mathai, Soukya Holistic Clinic; Dr Velavan, Radiation Oncologist, Erode Cancer Centre;  Dr Sandeep Roy, Chairman, Organizing committee ICIO 2020; Dr Madhavan Nambiar IAS (retd.), Patron GHF and Dr Sreevals G Menon, Managing Trustee, GHF.

Panel 1
Integration in current oncology practices with AYUSH streams – challenges and outcomes
Dr Sreevals Menon, Managing trustee – GHF coordinated the session

Speakers
Dr.Michael dixon (U.K) – –  Chair, College of Medicine & Integrative Health U.K., Personal Physician to Prince Charles, Visiting Professor, University of Westminister & University College, London
Dr Nilanjana basu – Researcher at Amity Institute Of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research in Amity University
Dr Iaonnis papastoriou – Medical Geneticist, Researcher (Greece)
Dr Vinu krishnan – Heads the only Public Sector Cancer Hospital under Homeopathy in Kerala
Dr K.M Madhu – Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala
Dr Ravi doctor – Integrative Oncologist – Mumbai

Panelists
Dr Issac Mathai – Co-Founder, Dr Mathai’s International Holistic Health Centre
Dr Prasanth parameswaran – Medical Onclogist, MVR Cancer Centre – Kannur – Kerala
Dr Radha Das – Former Advisor – Homeopathy, AYUSH Ministry, GoI

Transactions
Dr Dixon enunciated regarding the idea of  integration amongst health providers and systems for the benefits and prognosis for cases in general  and oncology  in particular. He elaborated on the various stages how it could be achieved efficiently.

Dr Nilanjana Basu highlighted the cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cells by homeopathic medicine arnica montana. It was phytoprotective to the normal breast cells. Her work as Researcher at Amity Institute Of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research in Amity University was demonstrated.

Dr Papastoriou envisaged a therapeutic plan of integration where conventional  medicine  is less sensitive and not feasible.

Dr K.M Madhu spoke about  the relevance of  a multi disciplinary approach  in oncology  for comprehensive care in the light of his experience in the ace Ayurvedic institution in south india which has set a branchmark.

Dr Ravi doctor exemplified the usage of European mistletoe along with homeopathic  medicine in quality of life and extended  survival in cancer patients of 3rd and 4th stage.

Dr.Vinu krishnan from  govt Homoeopathic cancer center at wandoor, kerala, India, the unique  exclusive  cancer  management center in homeopathy under  public  sector  figured the enhancement  of survival rate and stability of  performance  status in stage 3 and stage 4 lung cancers  using  Homoeopathic intervention in a sample size of 60 cases. He drew an analysis and observations of sixty cases of stage 3 and stage 4 lung cancers using Homoeopathic  interventions.

Dr Issac Mathai appreciated the papers and the effort taken in establishing the idea of integration. He explained the integration happening at his own Holistic Hospital for th past decades effectively for various chronic diseases including cancer.

Dr Prashanth Parameshwaran stressed on the need of primary prevention in cancer. He vouched to focus on prevention since it is as important as prevention in cancer. He explained primary prevention as well as secondary prevention. He gave examples of tobacco usage as one of most important cause of cancer which can be prevented by creating awareness in population. It can be achieved through all systems of treatment.

Dr Radha said the paper from dr Vinu showed how best in a Govt set up the suffering of cancer patients can be reduced by Homeopathic medicines. The treatment of multi-factorial diseases like cancer needs attention in nutrition, psychologocial interventions, lifestyle modifications along with medical treatment.

Session coordinator Dr Sreevals G Menon made a successful  derivation from the talks and spotted  the challenges and outcomes in  integrating current oncology practices with  AYUSH

8th Feb 2020 – Postnoon

Psycho-Oncology / IPOS Session (Special Panel)
Dr Veenavani Nalleppalli coordinated the session

The Psycho Oncology session was a collective work of Gobal Homoeopathy Foundation (GHF), ICIO and International Psycho Oncology Society (IPOS).The session was coordinated by Dr.Veenavani Nallepalli

Speakers

• Ozan BAHCIVAN, Turkey – Former Director ,IPOS  
• Dr E Vidhubala – Director of Nellai Cancer Center 
• Dr.Surendran Veeraiah ,HOD, Psycho Oncology department, Cancer Institute Adyar, Chennai 

Panelists

• Dr K Velavan – Director, Erode & Bangalore Cancer Centre
• Dr Jaswant Patil – Chest Specialist, Homeopath, Researcher, Mumbai

Transactions

BAHCIVAN enlightened the audience on the role Psycho Oncology plays in Cancer care and also the evolution of it in Medical history and also the involvement and works of IPOS. He also highlighted that we don’t treat the disease but the patient as a whole, emphasizing on holistic approach.

Dr.E.Vidhubala emphasised on the need of early detection and screening in Primary and secondary health care to Prevent cancer and also to make AYUSH a mainstream in the process.She also discussed the continuum-gaps of Cancer care.

Dr. Veeraiah gave the complete picture of Psycho social aspects of Cancer care and also the need of Assessments like Pain and Distress which helps a lot in the treatment modality.He also discussed on the concerns of the caregivers and how Psycho Oncology is helpful to tackle it.

Dr Patil explained how emotions and mind symptoms play an important role in cancer-care.

Panel 2

Enhancing Quality of Life in Terminal Stage Malignancies – AYUSH Perspective

Session Coordinator – Dr Sandeep Roy

Speakers

• Dr E S Rajendran – Speaker, Author, Researcher, Consultant, Marsleeva Medicity, Pala
• Dr Issac Mathai (Soukya, Bangalore)
• Dr Jayesh V Sanghavi – Vice Chairman GHF
• Dr Manfred Mueller, USA – Homeopath, Speaker, Researcher in Cancer
• Dr Arun Varma, Former Vice President & Head – Health Initiatives, IL&FS Education Technology Service, E-Health Expert
• Dr Pooja Sabhrewal – Ayurveda Faculty & Consultant ,CBPACS,New Delhi, Govt of India
• Dr Chetnadeep Lamba – Research Officer, CCRH New Delhi
• Panelists

Dr Michael Dixon (U.K.) – Chair, College of Medicine & Integrative Health U.K., Personal Physician to Prince Charles, Visiting Professor, University of Westminister & University College, London

Dr Arun Warrier, Medical Oncologist – Aster Medicity

Dr T Mohanasundaram – President of Tamil Nadu Palliative Care Society

Dr Eswaradas, Chairman – GHF

Dr Amritanshu Ram – Yoga/Naturopathy – Research Associate & Medical Writer – HCG Oncology Bangalore

Transactions

Dr Rajendran emphasised on use of nano medicine in oncology , his research on nano medicine and its effect on induction of apoptosis can be of utmost help in tumor regression 

Dr Issac Mathai elaborated on the Importance of Integration of different systems of medicines in oncology , since it has been seen that the quality of life of cancer patients is not maintained due to the numerous adverse effects of the chemotherapeutic agents, Integration of various systems of medicines might help in immunomodulation and tackle the adverse effects of the conventional system of medicines. He said Soukya is treating  cancer and other medical conditions with integrated medicine for over 20 years. With Ayurveda Homeopathy Naturopaty and therapeutic Yoga and the results are very positive Dr Mathai is srhared the good experiences and experiments.

Dr Sanghavi spoke of his experience in the treatment of critical and terminally ill cancer patients, presenting a one of its kind clinical study and response evaluation of thirty such randomly selected cases, with a few clinical examples. He said that Homeopathy is capable of according a calming countenance to cancer patients in their most unbearable phase of distress and agony, when best of conventional or other alternative treatments fail to palliate. Even during the very last moments it brings a definite calm and peace, just before death. He concluded that Homeopathy is capable of helping at any phase of malignancy and is effective as a complementary, alternative, adjuvant or neo-adjuvant to any stream of medicine.

Dr Manfred Mueller explained the Status of Homoeopathy in the UK and lack of Integration in the western world but he also spoke on the growing awareness about the integrative approach towards cancer treatment. 

Dr Arun Varma felt the need of dedicated cadre of care delivery people mostly rooted in the Indian system of medicine/AYUSH with the objective of making intergrative care in oncology happen because when multiple streams of care are being offered they are as a complex treatment plan for the patient. Unless you have a cadre of care-givers who are trained in that, though this is never going to be effective, because most of the terminally ill cases are going to be prolonged  treatment plan for this people and as a result we need to have a care giving strategy too. He gave example where his organisation partner with university of Ohio,USA and college of nursing there and they partnered with few organisation there trying to develop a cadre of people. He said the cadre could be called AYUSH intergrative care giver. He stressed on the need to create that cadre which is not directly under the nursing council or not under paramedical council but under the AYUSH itself so that care delivery would not be a big challenge. It’s because at therapy level doctors will create a treatment plan but we need a team to deliver it especially in these kind of end of life patients, when we need to have a multiple psyco oncology, conventional medicine, Homeopathy, Ayurveda etc is needed. The need is of a basic curriculum developed to create such a cadre. Multifront capacity building exercise need to take place in developing a multi-disciplinary cadre.

Dr Pooja shed light on the Importance of Ayurveda in Integrative Oncology and the various treatment methods in ayurveda that can improve the quality of life and induce apoptosis , she also spoke procedures of ayurveda like Panchakarma and Basti that might have some Immunomodulatory effect. 

Dr. Chetna discussed about the integration of homoeopathy in palliative care in terminal malignancies. The preliminary data suggests that integration can yield better results in not only pain management but also in managing associated complaints of terminal cases. However, offering these services in OPD set up is very challenging but can be successfully integrated in an institution and home care model 

Dr Dixon vouched for the larger need of integration in palliative care. He also remembered an effort earlier in Kerala which had failed years ago. He appreciated the renewed conjoint efforts which is up now. Dr. Dixon while making his comments as a commented on the speakers and their presentations. He congratulated each of them for focussing on the theme, maintaining the time limits and conveying a strong message on the need for convergence of the strength of different medical system. He concluded that in disease  conditions like cancer as well on several long term  diseases in NCDs the future shall be integrated approaches.

Dr Arun Warrier stresssed on the need for prevention as more that fifty percent arise from tobacco. He spoke on the need to focus on concentating on the area in depth.

Dr.T.Mohanasundaram, President of Tamil Nadu Palliative care Society lauded the Works of AYUSH systems in end of life Cancer care.He also highlighted that the scope of  AYUSH systems in Palliative care can be encouraged and they have to be trained in a better way to render their services.He encouraged giving professional training to AYUSH systems in Palliative care

Dr Eswaradas demanded a shift from disease centric approach to patient oriented approach he called for giving emphasis to patient at every stage of the disease. He vouched to move away from the excess focus on the disease to approach on its root cause. Cancer cell is a culmination of years of biological changes that occur in our body due to our diet,  regime, germs etc. To reverse it we have to go back to the cause of the changes and detoxify patient. Early detection will open up various possibilities of integrative approach and reduce psychological trauma to the patients. Early detection has a better role in devising a better approach to treatment. Even after surgery many continue to suffer. Patients mostly  reach AYUSH care towards the end of their treatment. Still we are able to reduce intake of drugs, control emotional problems, and improve quality of life of patients. He added that no system of medicine is complete in cancer control and research on the synergy of systems and concepts can only lead to better results. Cross referrals and dialogues between systems are necessary for welfare of patients. Likewise a newly announced bridge course should be used for creating awareness regarding 

Dr Amrithanshu Ram said that the concept of evidence has evolved over the past few decades from being based on case studies to robust randomised control studies but now is facing a transformation in the form of personalized medicine and precision oncology where each individual is considered unique and the treatments advised is customized  to the individual. Indian systems of medicine have always believed that each individual is unique and every individual requires a solution that is customised to their needs. This is the right time for integrative oncology as generating personalized evidence for both oncology and alternative systems of medicine can follow similar paradigms. 

Day 2 :  9th Feb 2020 – Forenoon 

Onco-Nutrition Session (Special Session)

Dr Jameel Sait coordinated the session

Speaker : Luke Coutinho  – Celebrity Onco-Nutritionist

Cancer being the most deadliest disease of this time has to be taken more seriously with help from all systems together as integrative approach. Diet being one of the most important aspect can support treatment of cancer. Its not that cancer can be cured by diet but it can efficiently control cancer. No diet can prevent cancer too. DIfferent cancers must be treated with different diet. There is no single diet to prevent cancer. More than adulteration in food mental stress plays more important role in creating cancer. Good sleep, adequate exercises, emotional detox and balanced diet can help prevent cancer.

Panel – 3

Multi-disciplinary approaches in oncology for wellness

Session  coordinator- Dr Vinu krishnan 

Speakers

• Dr Sandeep Roy – Integrative Oncologist, Nashik
• Dr Rajesh Shah – Researcher, Speaker, Author, Homeopath
• Dr V. Raj Mohan – Researcher- Govt Ayurveda College, Kannur
• Dr Rajesh Kumar Rawal – Cancer Biologist, Stem Cell Researcher, Gujarat University
• Dr Jaswant Patil – Chest Specialist, Homeopath, Researcher, Mumbai
• Dr G.S Lekha – Research Officer, CCRS – Siddha 
• Dr Vadiraja H S – Research Officer, CCRYN New Delhi

Panelists

• Dr Syam Vikram – Surgical Oncologist, MVR Cancer Center Kannur, Kerala
• Dr Sudhir P K – Vice Chancellor, Vinaya Mission’s Rsearch Foundtion Deemed University, Salem
• Dr Anil Khurana – Director General, CCRH New Delhi
• Dr. K .M Madhu – Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala
• Dr Shalini K – Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Interdisciplinary Expert, Bolecular Biology, Bio-Technology, CUSAT Kochi
• Dr P V Jayaprakash – Chairman, Advisory Committee, National Institute Of Siddha

Transactions

Dr Sandeep roy elaborated on the various  intervention techniques in integrative oncology like European mistletoe, hyperthermia, high intensity  ultra sound  , vitamin C, euthermy, etc and threw light on clinical  trials and reviews  on Anthroposophy.

Dr Rajesh shah invited the audience to newer homeopathic medicine like cancer besides and its action on apoptosis, anti angiogenesis and cytoreduction  using chick embryo  models.

Dr V Rajmohan of Ayurveda fraternity urged the delegates for a interdisciplinary study and research in the field of integration.

Dr G.S lekha of Siddha fraternity  spoke about  the  various  clinical  studies of  Siddha intervention  in oncology.

Dr Rakesh Kumar Rawal from Cancer Biology & Molecular Science described the scope of AYUSH streams in molecular levels of studies.

Dr Jaswant patil inspired student delegates and participants from other streams with examples of cured cases of cancer with homeopathy. His life and transformation from an MD in Chest diseases in conventional medicine to re-landing in BHMS to study Homeopathy and further career as a Homeopath amazed many. He said in incurable cancer cases first we may try with symptom repertorization to prescribe, to elevate vital force and give symptomatic relief, to get proper sleep and to improve appetite. Next is the Use of additional therapies like 1) Oxygen therapy & HBOT Treatment 2) using alkaliser to balance body PH 3) use of Meridian therapy to balance energies 4) Aura Therapy to clear lymphatic circulation 5) yoga & meditation therapy to Elevate the vital and General well being 6) Diet therapy to supplement nutrition 7) counceling to boost the confidence and eliminate emotional disturbance Etc. Once the vital force is elevated then we prescribe constitutional and inter current nosode therapy. We monitor the success of prescription by 1) General Analysis of hemo-dynamics, improvement in oxygen, energy levels and mood 2) checking the improvement in abnormal blood reports and tumour markers 3) Other investigations like radiology, sonography, MRI, CT scan at regular intervals 4) Body Functions analysis by US-FDA Approved Bio-impedance scan and Medical Aura Scan 4) finally to reassess the Improvement with PET-CT SCAN..

Dr Vadiraja H S took the session to yoga intervention and their scientific trials  in various types of cancers.

Session  coordinator Dr Vinu Krishnan made a time bound discussion of  panelists regarding the presentations and formulated the axiom  that there is sufficient  promises  and deliverable’s in AYUSH streams in oncology for wellness  in the  forthcoming times

Panel – 4

New directions in Integrated Onco-Care

Session Co-ordinator Dr Bindu John Pulparampil 

Speakers

• Dr Amruthanshu Ram – Yoga/Naturopathy – Research Associate & Medical Writer – HCG Oncology Bangalore
• Dr Senthil kumar, Professor, National Institute of Siddha, Chennai
• Dr Steven landau MD /Acharya Pasupati  – Yoga Trainer
• Dr Dileepkumar P P – Ayurveda
• Dr Shajikumar R T – Research Office, CCRH New Delhi
• Dr Punnoose Sam – Secretary, GHF Australia
• Panelists

Dr Gopi Krishna – Research Communiicator, AMRUTA Kochi

Prof. Dr S M Singh – Principal of Sri Sai Nath Postgraduate Institute of Homoeopathy, Allahabad

Dr K C Muraleedharan – Director, National Homeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health

Transactions

Dr Ram explained the relevance of yoga in improving Cancer related symptoms

Dr Senthil Kumar Introduced the description and role of Siddha medicines having specific action for cancer treatment.

Dr Pasupati/Landau elaborated Yoga and meditation and music an integral component of cancer treatment. He also demonstrated some important postures which could help.

Dr Dileep spoke on classical approach  of Ayurveda as an rational approach  to cancer  treatment

Dr Shajikumar spoke on CCRH research on cancer treatment  related symptoms especially  focused on mucosities related to radiation. Homoeopathy as an add on to conventional  treatment was researched on.

Dr Punoose Sam narrated as to how samples from population and the treatment data can be selected and produced by Homeopaths across the world to demonstrate result and cost effectiveness of Homeopathy in cancer treatment

Dr Gopi krishnan vouched for co-habitance of various disciplines as the need of future.

Dr SM Singh explained how effective each systems are in onco-care and how they could have a symbiosis.

Dr KC Muraleedharan – A protocol realistic to our society should  be constructed  where Homoeopathy  can effectively  integrate.

Tribute Session for Late Dr R P Patel, a legend in Homeopathy and Patron of GHF

Session Coordinator Dr Vivek Gopalakrishnan 

Presenter – Dr Gopal I.Patel (Grandson of Late Dr R P Patel)

A video tribute and a talk by Dr Gopal his works, an overview of results and a Cancer Survivor’s meet was held in this relation where about 20 families arrived at the event venue.

Valedictory Function 

• Dr Sreevals Menon, Managing Trustee – GHF
• Dr Vinu Krishnan – Convener, Scientific Committe – ICIO2020
• Dr Eswara Das – Chairman, GHF
• Dr Jayesh Sanghavi – Vice Chairman, GHF
• Dr Pai – Kannur Cancer Soceity
• Dr Haleem – SAHYA Kerala