Susan Bauer-Wu1, Tenzin Lhundup2, Tawni Tidwell3, Tenzin Lhadon2, Chikako Ozawa-de Silva4, Jamyang Dolma5, Pema Dorjee6, Dorjee Rapten Neshar7, Rigzin Sangmo2, Tenzin Yeshi2. 1. University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA bauer-wu@virginia.edu. 2. Men-Tsee-Khang, Tibetan Medical & Astro Institute, Dharamsala, India Kachupa is similar to Bachelor of Science in Medicine (BS), and Menrampa is similar to Doctor of Medicine (MD). 3. Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA Tibetan Medical College, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai, P.R.C. 4. Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA. 5. Men-Tsee-Khang, Salugara Branch Clinic, Salugara, India Kachupa is similar to Bachelor of Science in Medicine (BS), and Menrampa is similar to Doctor of Medicine (MD). 6. Men-Tsee-Khang, Tibetan Medical & Astro Institute, Dharamsala, India Men-Tsee-Khang retired physician Kachupa is similar to Bachelor of Science in Medicine (BS), and Menrampa is similar to Doctor of Medicine (MD). 7. Men-Tsee-Khang, Bengaluru Branch Clinic, Tibetan Medical Centre, Bangalore, India Kachupa is similar to Bachelor of Science in Medicine (BS), and Menrampa is similar to Doctor of Medicine (MD).
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Tibetan medicine (TM) is a whole systems medical approach that has had growing interest in the West. However, minimal research, particularly with cancer, has been conducted. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of TM and describe a clinical case review study to obtain preliminary evidence of TM's safety and effect on patients treated for cancer or hematologic disorders. METHODS: A retrospective case review was conducted in India and cases met the following inclusion criteria: (a) confirmed diagnosis of cancer or hematologic disorder by standard Western biomedical diagnostic tests, (b) either treated exclusively with TM or received insufficient Western treatment followed by TM and (c) were in remission or had stable disease at least 2 years after start of TM. RESULTS: Three cases were identified, 1 solid tumor and 2 hematologic diseases: Case 1--poorly to moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of the stomach, positive lymph nodes and mucosal infiltration, with clear scans and excellent quality of life 29 months later ; Case 2--chronic myelogenous leukemia with normalization of hematologic labs within 3 months of starting TM and stable 4 years later; and Case 3--red cell aplasia improved significantly and reversed dependence on blood transfusions with TM. None of the cases experienced demonstrable adverse effects from TM. CONCLUSIONS: This limited case review found TM to be safe and have positive effects on quality of life and disease regression and remission in patients with cancer and blood disorders. Further exploration and investigation using rigorous methods is warranted.
INTRODUCTION: Tibetan medicine (TM) is a whole systems medical approach that has had growing interest in the West. However, minimal research, particularly with cancer, has been conducted. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of TM and describe a clinical case review study to obtain preliminary evidence of TM's safety and effect on patients treated for cancer or hematologic disorders. METHODS: A retrospective case review was conducted in India and cases met the following inclusion criteria: (a) confirmed diagnosis of cancer or hematologic disorder by standard Western biomedical diagnostic tests, (b) either treated exclusively with TM or received insufficient Western treatment followed by TM and (c) were in remission or had stable disease at least 2 years after start of TM. RESULTS: Three cases were identified, 1 solid tumor and 2 hematologic diseases: Case 1--poorly to moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma of the stomach, positive lymph nodes and mucosal infiltration, with clear scans and excellent quality of life 29 months later ; Case 2--chronic myelogenous leukemia with normalization of hematologic labs within 3 months of starting TM and stable 4 years later; and Case 3--red cell aplasia improved significantly and reversed dependence on blood transfusions with TM. None of the cases experienced demonstrable adverse effects from TM. CONCLUSIONS: This limited case review found TM to be safe and have positive effects on quality of life and disease regression and remission in patients with cancer and blood disorders. Further exploration and investigation using rigorous methods is warranted.