India’s top cancer institute, Tata Memorial Centre, is venturing into an unconventional realm by combining modern medical science with ancient knowledge.
They are establishing a farm and a 100-bed hospital-cum-research facility in Khopoli, near Mumbai, to explore the use of medicinal plants in treating cancer patients.
Tata Memorial Centre has been experimenting with traditional practices like yoga for building immunity and post-operative recovery. The idea of setting up a farm to grow medicinal plants and subject them to rigorous clinical and human trials emerged in 2018.
Dr Vikram Gota’s experiments with Ashwagandha showed surprising results, indicating a potential 50% reduction in mortality among bone marrow transplant patients.
The Birth of ICTREC
The success with Ashwagandha prompted the creation of the Integrative Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer (ICTREC) in Khopoli, a Rs 300-crore initiative.
Dr. Gota and his team have presented scientific papers demonstrating promising results of Ashwagandha and turmeric as potent anti-cancer agents.
Unveiling the Power of Turmeric
Turmeric, known for its anti-inflammatory properties in India for ages, is now recognized for its anti-proliferative and immunomodulatory qualities.
The upcoming ICTREC facility plans to cultivate over 500 plants, collaborating with various research institutes exploring Ayurveda and cancer treatment.
ICTREC is set to collaborate with institutions like the Central Ayurvedic Clinical Research Institute for Cancer (CARIC), Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Jammu, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, IIT Mumbai, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, and more. This collaboration aims to integrate ancient medicinal knowledge with rigorous scientific research.
The Road to 2026
Funded by the Department of Atomic Energy, Tata Memorial Centre aims to make ICTREC operational by 2026. The 20-acre land in Khopoli has been provided by the Maharashtra government.
The facility will not only focus on medicinal plant cultivation but will also offer standard cancer treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi, head and neck cancer surgeon and deputy director of the Centre for Cancer Epidemiology at Tata Memorial Centre, is leading the ICTREC project.
Dr. Chaturvedi emphasizes the historical significance of seeking natural remedies for cancer patients and aims to develop effective drugs derived from ancient medicinal plants after rigorous trials.
Traditional Knowledge with Modern Science
While traditional Indian medicine systems have faced criticism for not being evidence-based, Tata Memorial Centre seeks to bridge the gap. Unlike hasty claims during the Covid-19 pandemic, ICTREC aims to marry traditional knowledge with the meticulous testing and trial processes of modern medicine.
Thorough Research for Implementation
Dr Meghal Sanghavi, the senior surgical oncologist at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai, commends Tata Memorial Centre for initiating trials before advocating Ayurveda.
The proposed integration of Ayurveda alongside chemotherapy and radiation is seen as a thorough research approach that precedes implementation.
Dr Cyric Abby Philips, the senior consultant in clinical and translational hepatology, emphasizes the importance of not glorifying Ayurvedic remedies solely based on nationalistic, cultural, traditional, and religious appeal. He calls for rigorous clinical trials to substantiate claims.
Setting Realistic Goals
Dr Shripad Banavali, director of academics at Tata Memorial Centre, acknowledges that proving the potential of medicinal plants in cancer treatment requires time.
The institute aims to assert the anti-cancer potential of medicinal plants only if trials indicate success. Dr. Banavali highlights the need for thorough research to offer effective and affordable treatment to cancer patients.
Tata Memorial Centre has garnered international interest for its pioneering work in Khopoli. The institute plans multi-center trials, and global cancer treatment centers have expressed interest in long-term research on medicinal plants.
Collaboration with international centers is envisioned to further advance the understanding of the potential benefits of ancient medicinal plants in cancer care.
Positive takeaway
Tata Memorial Centre’s venture into farming and medicinal plant research represents a unique approach to cancer treatment, blending the richness of ancient wisdom with the precision of modern science.
As ICTREC takes shape, the world watches with anticipation to see how this groundbreaking collaboration will impact the future of cancer care.
