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Efficacy of Varunadi Ghritha (polyherbal compound) in treated head and neck cancer cases as a biological response
Divya Ravindran1, Indhu Hariharan2, Richard Muwonge3
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, India.
Background:
Persistent immune suppression is reported in Head and Neck Cancers (HNC) even after treatment and a higher recurrence rate was observed in patients with poor CD3 count. Loco regional recurrences and second primary tumours are the common forms of failure in head and neck cancers. Several agents have been tried to overcome this problem without much benefit. In Ayurveda, several plant based products have been reported to have anti-tumour and immunomodulatory properties.
Aim:
To test the role of Varunadi Ghritha, as an immunomodulator in apparently healthy, treated and controlled HNC patients and to evaluate its effectiveness in preventing locoregional relapses and development of second primary tumours.
Materials And Methods:
Total 78 patients of treated head and neck cancers were randomly selected for intervention and control group. Patients in the intervention group (n = 38) received Varunadi Ghritha, 5gms twice daily for one year and followed up to two years. Patients in the control group (n = 40) were followed up at regular intervals. Immune parameters were assessed in the peripheral blood at base line and at the end of administration of the study compound.
Results:
In the intervention group, mean percentage increase in CD3, CD19 and CD16 positive cells were significantly higher after the administration of the study compound compared to the control group indicating an immunomodulatory effect of the study compound. A non-significant improvement in disease control was observed in patients with advanced stage of disease in the intervention group.
Conclusion:
Administration of Varunadi Ghritha resulted in an increase in T cell counts in patients with treated HNC.
Insights
Varunadi Ghritha, an Ayurvedic formulation, was studied for its immunomodulatory effects in treated Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) patients. The study found it increased T cell counts, suggesting potential benefits for immune function post-treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Ayurvedic Medicine
Background:
- Persistent immune suppression and high recurrence rates are observed in Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) patients post-treatment.
- Locoregional recurrences and second primary tumors are common failure modes in HNC.
- Ayurvedic formulations are explored for their potential anti-tumor and immunomodulatory properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess Varunadi Ghritha as an immunomodulator in treated HNC patients.
- To evaluate its efficacy in preventing HNC relapses and second primary tumors.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 78 treated HNC patients.
- Intervention group received Varunadi Ghritha (5g twice daily for 1 year); control group received standard follow-up.
- Immune parameters (CD3, CD19, CD16 counts) were measured at baseline and after treatment.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in CD3, CD19, and CD16 positive cells were observed in the Varunadi Ghritha group compared to the control.
- These findings indicate a notable immunomodulatory effect of Varunadi Ghritha.
- A non-significant trend towards improved disease control was noted in advanced-stage patients receiving Varunadi Ghritha.
Conclusions:
- Varunadi Ghritha administration led to increased T cell counts in treated HNC patients.
- The study suggests Varunadi Ghritha has potential as an immunomodulator for HNC survivors.
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