Indian Journal of Cancer Education and Research

In Ayurvedic science, the clinical entities of Granthi (glandular cyst) group of diseases include cancer (Arbuda) and the progressive stages of cancer.  Theoretical based mechanisms of action of Ayurvedic therapy is supposed to treat and prevent these entities well fully by which patient’s quality of life improves. In the Bruhataryi (foremost texts) of Ayurveda; Charaka, Sushruta and Ashtanga Hridya samhita,  the absolute explanation of cancer related signs and symptoms are seen in scattered ways which are explained in a single chapter of contemporary sciences. New findings gained through scientific developments add up to Ayurvedic science that develops an integrated approach to manage cancer and its related symptoms. Review of literature on anticancer drugs of plant origin revealed identification of newer Ayurvedic drugs that are not mentioned in the ancient texts. Many of herbals and traditional compounds are being screened worldwide to validate their use as anti-cancerous drugs on various cancer cell lines and in vivo study. Clinical studies established that the use of Rasayana drugs of Ayurveda is helpful to reduce side effects of chemo and radio therapeutic agents while adjoining with these therapies.

Hence, an attempt is made in this review to discuss about the pathology and the principle of therapeutic management of various cancers described in Ayurveda.

Keywords: Arbuda; Ayurvedic principle; Cancer; Rasayana. 

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Aims: The aim of this study was to compare the plan results that were obtained by using different calculation grid sizes ranging from 3mm to 10mm, and the same dose calculation algorithm Pencil Beam (PB), in Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) for different treatment sites Head-And –Neck, Pelvis (Carcinoma Cervix) And Brain Cancers. Introduction: Ever since the advent and development of treatment planning systems, the uncertainty associated with calculation grid size has been an issue. Even to this  day , with highly sophisticated 3D conformal and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment planning systems (TPS), dose uncertainty due to grid size is still a concern. Methods and Material: Twelve patients in which four patients of Head-And –Neck, Pelvis And Brain tumours respectively were considered for the study. IMRT Plans were generated for a 6,600cGy, 5,000cGy & 5,400cGy prescribed doses for Head-and–Neck,  Pelvis and  Brain  tumours respectively using Oncentra v 4.3 TPS . For each patient, dose calculation with PB algorithms using dose grid sizes of 3.0 mm, 5.0 mm, and 10.0 mm were performed. Results:  The plans were evaluated as per the ICRU guidelines and dose constraints were maintained as per the  Quantec  guidelines. The dose differences for the varying grid sizes in  Tumour Volumes and Organs at Risk were analyzed and tabulated. Conclusions: Overall, the effect of varying grid size on dose variation appears to be insignificant. However, 3 mm is recommended to ensure acceptable dose calculations, especially in high gradient regions.

Keywords: Dose grid; 2D array; Organs at risk; Intensity-modulated radiotherapy; Dose-volume changes; Head-and-neck cancers.