Oncology (Track)




Chemotherapy Induced Thrombocytopenia for Solid Cancer and Lymphoma: A novel herbal solution

A.B.M.F. Karim
Japan- Bangladesh Friendship Hospital A teaching Institute of Medical Oncology House No -55; Satmasjid Road Dhaka-1209; Bangladesh

Abstract:

Little is known on effective remedy for increasing incidences (300000 cases in 1996) of chemotherapy induced Thrombocytopenia (CIT) in solid cancer and lymphoma. Oprelvekin was the only drug approved by FDA and available in the last decade to combat CIT. Recently FDA has restricted its use drastically due to fatal toxicity.
In South & South East Asia hemorrhagic dengue fever with thrombocytopenia is combated by leaves from Carica Papaya. This fact has inspired us to use these herbs in a small pilot study with success. Then we standardized the leaves of Carica Papaya (freeze dried, prepared noncontaminated and sterilized with radiation) for use in patients with CIT. This was tested in 3 sets of mice and found nontoxic.

A phase II study has now been completed. Out of total 98 patients; 38 were grade 3 (thrombocytes between 50000/cm³ to 25000/cm³) and 23 were grade 4 CIT (thrombocytes below 25000/cm³) with success & virtually no toxicity. Only 5 patients with performance scale 60 expired during early period of our experience.

The details of this result shall be presented along with presently and available anti-thrombocytopenic would be reviewed.

1. A.B.M.F. Karim; MD, FRCR, PhD, Professor Emeritus; Vrije University Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
2.  R.B. Karim; MD, PhD; Department of Reconstructive Surgical Oncology, OLVG Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.