International Conference On Integrative Oncology ICIO 2020 was organized on February 8 and 9, 2020 by GHF At Le Meridian, Kochi. The Report of the seminar is as follows
Day 1 – 8th Feb 2020 – Forenoon
Inaugural Session
Chief Guest: Dr Michael Dixon – Chair, College of Medicine & Integrative Health U.K., Personal Physician to Prince Charles, Visiting Professor, University of Westminister & University College, London
Guests of Honor
Dr Abdu Samad Samadani – Former MLA, MP
Shri Pradee Narang – Chairman, Shri Aurobindo Society
Shri Reji Abraham, Managing Director, Aban Group
Shri Madhavan Nambiar IAS – Former Civil Aviation Secretary, GoI
Dr Issac Mathai – Co-Founder, Dr Mathai’s International Holistic Health Centre
Dr Eswaradas – Chairman, GHF
Felicitations
Dr Velavan – Radiation Oncologist, Director – Erode & Bangalore Cancer Center.
Dr KM Madhu – Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala
Dr Jayesh V Sanghavi – Vice Chairman GHF
Dr Sandeep Roy – Chairman, Organizing Committee
Dr Piyush Josh – Secretary General, HMAI
Dr T K Harindranath – President, IHMA
Vote Of Thanks
Dr Sreevals Menon – Managing Trustee, GHF
Inaugural Messages from Dr Michael Dixon U.K. & others.
Inaugurating the event, Dr Michael Dixon called upon integration in action of various medical streams while combating diseases. He said that integration in action has become imperative because of the increased prevalence of obesity, diabetes and other long-term diseases, depression, stress, and cancer. Dr Dixon pointed out that anti-microbial resistance over-prescription of opiates and over-prescription of conventional medicine have compounded the situation.
He pointed out that even as these issues persist back home in UK, NHS England banned herbal and homeopathic medicine while Royal College of General Practitioners asked GPs not to offer Homeopathy and National Institute for Clinical Excellence changed guidelines on palliative care and back pain.
He, however, said the good news is that at last AYUSH has arrived in UK with College of Medicine and Integrated Health taking the lead and it is also forming an Integrated Medical Alliance apart from organizing a yoga conference.
He said that integration of medical systems was of paramount importance in oncology for prevention, treatment, treating side effects of conventional medicine and preventing recurrence. He stressed up on the need for art interventions like reading, singing and dancing in groups in order to bust the stress of the patients apart from going for a robust regime of exercises.
Dr Issac Mathai vouched for the need of Integration while Shri Samadani highlighted on the impact of AYUSH in the current times.
Those who addressed the inaugural function included Dr Jayesh Sanghavi, Vice Chairman GHF; Dr T K Harindranath, President, Indian Homeopathic Medical Association; Dr Piyush Joshi, Secretary-General, Homeopathic Medical Association of India, Mr Reji Abraham, Managing Director, Aban Group; Abdu Samad Samadani, Patron GHF; Dr Eswaradas, Chairman, GHF; Dr Pradeep Narang, Patron-GHF and Chairman, Sri Aurobindo Society, Bangalore; Dr Issac Mathai, Soukya Holistic Clinic; Dr Velavan, Radiation Oncologist, Erode Cancer Centre; Dr Sandeep Roy, Chairman, Organizing committee ICIO 2020; Dr Madhavan Nambiar IAS (retd.), Patron GHF and Dr Sreevals G Menon, Managing Trustee, GHF.
Panel 1
Integration in current oncology practices with AYUSH streams – challenges and outcomes
Dr Sreevals Menon, Managing trustee – GHF coordinated the session
Speakers
Dr.Michael dixon (U.K) – – Chair, College of Medicine & Integrative Health U.K., Personal Physician to Prince Charles, Visiting Professor, University of Westminister & University College, London
Dr Nilanjana basu – Researcher at Amity Institute Of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research in Amity University
Dr Iaonnis papastoriou – Medical Geneticist, Researcher (Greece)
Dr Vinu krishnan – Heads the only Public Sector Cancer Hospital under Homeopathy in Kerala
Dr K.M Madhu – Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala
Dr Ravi doctor – Integrative Oncologist – Mumbai
Panelists
Dr Issac Mathai – Co-Founder, Dr Mathai’s International Holistic Health Centre
Dr Prasanth Parameswaran – Medical Oncologist, MVR Cancer Centre – Kannur – Kerala
Dr Radha Das – Former Advisor – Homeopathy, AYUSH Ministry, GoI
Transactions
Dr Dixon enunciated regarding the idea of integration amongst health providers and systems for the benefits and prognosis for cases in general and oncology in particular. He elaborated on the various stages of how it could be achieved efficiently.
Dr Nilanjana Basu highlighted the cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cells by homeopathic medicine, Arnica montana. It was phytoprotective to the normal breast cells. Her work as Researcher at Amity Institute Of Molecular Medicine & Stem Cell Research in Amity University was demonstrated.
Dr Papastoriou envisaged a therapeutic plan of integration where conventional medicine is less sensitive and not feasible.
Dr K.M Madhu spoke about the relevance of a multi disciplinary approach in oncology for comprehensive care in the light of his experience in the ace Ayurvedic institution in south india which has set a branchmark.
Dr Ravi Doctor exemplified the usage of European mistletoe along with homeopathic medicine in quality of life and extended survival in cancer patients of 3rd and 4th stage.
Dr Vinu krishnan from govt Homoeopathic cancer center at wandoor, kerala, India, the unique exclusive cancer management center in homeopathy under public sector figured the enhancement of survival rate and stability of performance status in stage 3 and stage 4 lung cancers using Homoeopathic intervention in a sample size of 60 cases. He drew an analysis and observations of sixty cases of stage 3 and stage 4 lung cancers using Homoeopathic interventions.
Dr Issac Mathai appreciated the papers and the effort taken in establishing the idea of integration. He explained the integration happening at his own Holistic Hospital for th past decades effectively for various chronic diseases including cancer.
Dr Prashanth Parameshwaran stressed the need for primary prevention in cancer. He vouched to focus on prevention since it is as important as prevention in cancer. He explained primary prevention as well as secondary prevention. He gave examples of tobacco usage as one of most important causes of cancer which can be prevented by creating awareness in population. It can be achieved through all systems of treatment.
Dr Radha said the paper from dr Vinu showed how best in a Govt set up the suffering of cancer patients can be reduced by Homeopathic medicines. The treatment of multi-factorial diseases like cancer needs attention in nutrition, psychologocial interventions, lifestyle modifications along with medical treatment.
Session coordinator, Dr Sreevals G Menon, made a successful derivation from the talks and spotted the challenges and outcomes in integrating current oncology practices with AYUSH
Day 1 – 8th Feb 2020 – Postnoon
Psycho-Oncology / IPOS Session (Special Panel)
Dr Veenavani Nalleppalli coordinated the session
The Psycho-Oncology session was a collective work of Global Homoeopathy Foundation (GHF), ICIO and International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS). The session was coordinated by Dr.Veenavani Nallepalli
Speakers
Ozan BAHCIVAN, Turkey – Former Director, IPOS
Dr E Vidhubala – Director of Nellai Cancer Center
Dr Surendran Veeraiah, HOD, Psycho-Oncology department, Cancer Institute Adyar, Chennai
Panelists
Dr K Velavan – Director, Erode & Bangalore Cancer Centre
Dr Jaswant Patil – Chest Specialist, Homeopath, Researcher, Mumbai
Transactions
BAHCIVAN enlightened the audience on the role Psycho-Oncology plays in Cancer care and also the evolution of it in Medical history and also the involvement and works of IPOS. He also highlighted that we don’t treat the disease but the patient as a whole, emphasizing on holistic approach.
Dr E.Vidhubala emphasised on the need of early detection and screening in Primary and secondary health care to Prevent cancer and also to make AYUSH a mainstream in the process. She also discussed the continuum-gaps of Cancer care.
Dr Veeraiah gave the complete picture of Psychosocial aspects of Cancer care and also the need for Assessments like Pain and Distress which helps a lot in the treatment modality.He also discussed on the concerns of the caregivers and how Psycho Oncology is helpful to tackle it.
Dr Patil explained how emotions and mind symptoms play an important role in cancer care.
Panel 2
Enhancing Quality of Life in Terminal Stage Malignancies – AYUSH Perspective
Session Coordinator – Dr Sandeep Roy
Speakers
Dr E S Rajendran – Speaker, Author, Researcher, Consultant, Marsleeva Medicity, Pala
Dr Issac Mathai (Soukya, Bangalore)
Dr Jayesh V Sanghavi – Vice-Chairman GHF
Dr Manfred Mueller, USA – Homeopath, Speaker, Researcher in Cancer
Dr Arun Varma, Former Vice President & Head – Health Initiatives, IL&FS Education Technology Service, E-Health Expert
Dr Pooja Sabhrewal – Ayurveda Faculty & Consultant, CBPACS, New Delhi, Govt of India
Dr Chetnadeep Lamba – Research Officer, CCRH New Delhi
Panelists
Dr Michael Dixon (U.K.) – Chair, College of Medicine & Integrative Health U.K., Personal Physician to Prince Charles, Visiting Professor, University of Westminister & University College, London
Dr Arun Warrier, Medical Oncologist – Aster Medicity
Dr T Mohanasundaram – President of Tamil Nadu Palliative Care Society
Dr Eswara Das, Chairman – GHF
Dr Amritanshu Ram – Yoga/Naturopathy – Research Associate & Medical Writer – HCG Oncology Bangalore
Transactions
Dr Rajendran emphasized on use of nanomedicine in oncology, his research on nanomedicine and its effect on induction of apoptosis can be of utmost help in tumor regression
Dr Issac Mathai elaborated on the Importance of Integration of different systems of medicines in oncology , since it has been seen that the quality of life of cancer patients is not maintained due to the numerous adverse effects of the chemotherapeutic agents, Integration of various systems of medicines might help in immunomodulation and tackle the adverse effects of the conventional system of medicines. He said Soukya is treating cancer and other medical conditions with integrated medicine for over 20 years. With Ayurveda Homeopathy Naturopathy and therapeutic Yoga and the results are very positive Dr Mathai is shared good experiences and experiments.
Dr Sanghavi spoke of his experience in the treatment of critical and terminally ill cancer patients, presenting a one of its kind clinical study and response evaluation of thirty such randomly selected cases, with a few clinical examples. He said that Homeopathy is capable of according a calming countenance to cancer patients in their most unbearable phase of distress and agony when best of conventional or other alternative treatments fail to palliate. Even during the very last moments, it brings a definite calm and peace, just before death. He concluded that Homeopathy is capable of helping at any phase of malignancy and is effective as a complementary, alternative, adjuvant or neo-adjuvant to any stream of medicine.
Dr Manfred Mueller explained the Status of Homoeopathy in the UK and lack of Integration in the western world but he also spoke on the growing awareness about the integrative approach towards cancer treatment.
Dr Arun Varma felt the need of dedicated cadre of care delivery people mostly rooted in the Indian system of medicine/AYUSH with the objective of making intergrative care in oncology happen because when multiple streams of care are being offered they are as a complex treatment plan for the patient. Unless you have a cadre of care-givers who are trained in that, though this is never going to be effective because most of the terminally ill cases are going to be prolonged treatment plans for these people and as a result, we need to have a caregiving strategy too. He gave an example where his organization partner with the University of Ohio, USA and college of nursing there and they partnered with few organizations there trying to develop a cadre of people. He said the cadre could be called AYUSH intergrative care giver. He stressed on the need to create that cadre which is not directly under the nursing council or not under paramedical council but under the AYUSH itself so that care delivery would not be a big challenge. It’s because at therapy level doctors will create a treatment plan but we need a team to deliver it especially in these kind of end of life patients when we need to have multiple psycho-oncology, conventional medicine, Homeopathy, Ayurveda, etc. is needed. The need is of a basic curriculum developed to create such a cadre. Multifront capacity building exercise needs to take place in developing a multi-disciplinary cadre.
Dr Pooja shed light on the Importance of Ayurveda in Integrative Oncology and the various treatment methods in Ayurveda that can improve the quality of life and induce apoptosis, she also spoke procedures of Ayurveda like Panchakarma and Basti that might have some Immunomodulatory effect.
Dr Chetna discussed the integration of homeopathy in palliative care in terminal malignancies. The preliminary data suggests that integration can yield better results in not only pain management but also in managing associated complaints of terminal cases. However, offering these services in OPD set up is very challenging but can be successfully integrated into an institution and home care model.
Dr Dixon vouched for the larger need for integration in palliative care. He also remembered an effort earlier in Kerala which had failed years ago. He appreciated the renewed conjoint efforts which are up now. Dr. Dixon while making his comments as a commented on the speakers and their presentations. He congratulated each of them for focussing on the theme, maintaining the time limits and conveying a strong message on the need for convergence of the strength of the different medical systems. He concluded that in disease conditions like cancer as well on several long term diseases in NCDs the future shall be integrated approaches.
Dr Arun Warrier stressed on the need for prevention as more than fifty percent arise from tobacco. He spoke on the need to focus on concentrating on the area in depth.
Dr T.Mohanasundaram, President of Tamil Nadu Palliative care Society lauded the Works of AYUSH systems in end of life Cancer care. He also highlighted that the scope of AYUSH systems in Palliative care can be encouraged and they have to be trained in a better way to render their services.He encouraged giving professional training to AYUSH systems in Palliative care.
Dr Eswara das demanded a shift from disease centric approach to patient-oriented approach he called for giving emphasis to patient at every stage of the disease. He vouched to move away from the excess focus on the disease to approach on its root cause. Cancer cell is a culmination of years of biological changes that occur in our body due to our diet, regime, germs etc. To reverse it we have to go back to the cause of the changes and detoxify patient. Early detection will open up various possibilities of an integrative approach and reduce psychological trauma to the patients. Early detection has a better role in devising a better approach to treatment. Even after surgery many continue to suffer. Patients mostly reach AYUSH care towards the end of their treatment. Still we are able to reduce intake of drugs, control emotional problems, and improve quality of life of patients. He added that no system of medicine is complete in cancer control and research on the synergy of systems and concepts can only lead to better results. Cross referrals and dialogues between systems are necessary for welfare of patients. Likewise, a newly announced bridge course should be used for creating awareness.
Dr Amrithanshu Ram said that the concept of evidence has evolved over the past few decades from being based on case studies to robust randomised control studies but now is facing a transformation in the form of personalized medicine and precision oncology where each individual is considered unique and the treatments advised is customized to the individual. Indian systems of medicine have always believed that each individual is unique and every individual requires a solution that is customized to their needs. This is the right time for integrative oncology as generating personalized evidence for both oncology and alternative systems of medicine can follow similar paradigms.
Day 2 – 9th Feb 2020 – Forenoon
Onco-Nutrition Session (Special Session)
Dr Jameel Sait coordinated the session
Speaker: Luke Coutinho – Celebrity Onco-Nutritionist
Cancer being the most deadliest disease of this time has to be taken more seriously with help from all systems together as integrative approach. Diet being one of the most important aspect can support treatment of cancer. Its not that cancer can be cured by diet but it can efficiently control cancer. No diet can prevent cancer too. Different cancers must be treated with different diet. There is no single diet to prevent cancer. More than adulteration in food mental stress plays more important role in creating cancer. Good sleep, adequate exercises, emotional detox, and balanced diet can help prevent cancer.
Panel – 3
Multi-disciplinary approaches in oncology for wellness
Session coordinator- Dr Vinu Krishnan
Speakers
Dr Sandeep Roy – Integrative Oncologist, Nashik
Dr Rajesh Shah – Researcher, Speaker, Author, Homeopath
Dr V. Raj Mohan – Researcher- Govt Ayurveda College, Kannur
Dr Rajesh Kumar Rawal – Cancer Biologist, Stem Cell Researcher, Gujarat University
Dr Jaswant Patil – Chest Specialist, Homeopath, Researcher, Mumbai
Dr G.S Lekha – Research Officer, CCRS – Siddha
Dr Vadiraja H S – Research Officer, CCRYN New Delhi
Panelists
Dr Syam Vikram – Surgical Oncologist, MVR Cancer Center Kannur, Kerala
Dr Sudhir P K – Vice Chancellor, Vinaya Mission’s Rsearch Foundtion Deemed University, Salem
Dr Anil Khurana – Director General, CCRH New Delhi
Dr K .M Madhu – Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala
Dr Shalini K – Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Interdisciplinary Expert, Bolecular Biology, Bio-Technology, CUSAT Kochi
Dr P V Jayaprakash – Chairman, Advisory Committee, National Institute Of Siddha
Transactions
Dr Sandeep Roy elaborated on the various intervention techniques in integrative oncology like European mistletoe, hyperthermia, high-intensity ultrasound, vitamin C, euthermy, etc. and threw light on clinical trials and reviews on Anthroposophy.
Dr Rajesh shah invited the audience to newer homeopathic medicine like cancer besides and its action on apoptosis, anti-angiogenesis and cytoreduction using chick embryo models.
Dr V Rajmohan of Ayurveda fraternity urged the delegates for a interdisciplinary study and research in the field of integration.
Dr G.S Lekha of Siddha fraternity spoke about the various clinical studies of Siddha intervention in oncology.
Dr Rakesh Kumar Rawal from Cancer Biology & Molecular Science described the scope of AYUSH streams in molecular levels of studies.
Dr Jaswant Patil inspired student delegates and participants from other streams with examples of cured cases of cancer with homeopathy. His life and transformation from an MD in Chest diseases in conventional medicine to re-landing in BHMS to study Homeopathy and further career as a Homeopath amazed many. He said in incurable cancer cases first we may try with symptom repertorization to prescribe, to elevate vital force and give symptomatic relief, to get proper sleep and to improve appetite. Next is the use of additional therapies like:
1) Oxygen therapy & HBOT Treatment
2) Using alkaliser to balance body PH
3) Use of Meridian therapy to balance energies
4) Aura Therapy to clear lymphatic circulation
5) Yoga & meditation therapy to Elevate the vital and General well being
6) Diet therapy to supplement nutrition
7) Counseling to boost confidence and eliminate emotional disturbance, etc.
Once the vital force is elevated then we prescribe constitutional and intercurrent nosode therapy. We monitor the success of prescription by:
1) General Analysis of hemodynamics, improvement in oxygen, energy levels and mood
2) Checking the improvement in abnormal blood reports and tumor markers
3) Other investigations like radiology, sonography, MRI, CT scan at regular intervals
4) Body Functions analysis by US-FDA Approved Bio-impedance scan and Medical Aura Scan
5) finally to reassess the Improvement with PET-CT SCAN..
Dr Vadiraja H S took the session to yoga intervention and their scientific trials in various types of cancers.
Session coordinator, Dr Vinu Krishnan, made a time-bound discussion of panelists regarding the presentations and formulated the axiom that there is sufficient promises and deliverable’s in AYUSH streams in oncology for wellness in the forthcoming times
Panel – 4
New directions in Integrated Onco-Care
Session Co-ordinator Dr Bindu John Pulparampil
Speakers
Dr Amruthanshu Ram – Yoga/Naturopathy – Research Associate & Medical Writer – HCG Oncology Bangalore
Dr Senthil Kumar, Professor, National Institute of Siddha, Chennai
Dr Steven Landau MD /Acharya Pasupati – Yoga Trainer
Dr Dileepkumar P P – Ayurveda
Dr Shajikumar R T – Research Office, CCRH New Delhi
Dr Punnoose Sam – Secretary, GHF Australia
Panelists
Dr Gopi Krishna – Research Communicator, AMRUTA Kochi
Prof. Dr S M Singh – Principal of Sri Sai Nath Postgraduate Institute of Homoeopathy, Allahabad
Dr K C Muraleedharan – Director, National Homeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health
Transactions
Dr Ram explained the relevance of yoga in improving Cancer-related symptoms.
Dr Senthil Kumar Introduced the description and role of Siddha medicines having specific action for cancer treatment.
Dr Pasupati/Landau elaborated Yoga and meditation and music an integral component of cancer treatment. He also demonstrated some important postures which could help.
Dr Dileep spoke on the classical approach of Ayurveda as an rational approach to cancer treatment
Dr Shajikumar spoke on CCRH research on cancer treatment-related symptoms especially focused on mucositis related to radiation. Homeopathy as an add on to conventional treatment was researched on.
Dr Punoose Sam narrated as to how samples from population and the treatment data can be selected and produced by Homeopaths across the world to demonstrate results and cost-effectiveness of Homeopathy in cancer treatment.
Dr Gopi Krishnan vouched for co-habitance of various disciplines as the need for the future.
Dr SM Singh explained how effective each system are in onco-care and how they could have a symbiosis.
Dr KC Muraleedharan – A protocol realistic to our society should be constructed where Homoeopathy can effectively integrate.
Tribute Session for Late Dr R P Patel, a legend in Homeopathy and Patron of GHF
Session Coordinator Dr Vivek Gopalakrishnan
Presenter – Dr Gopal I.Patel (Grandson of Late Dr R P Patel)
A video tribute and a talk by Dr Gopal his works, an overview of results and a Cancer Survivor’s meet were held in this relationship where about 20 families arrived at the event venue.
Valedictory Function
Dr Sreevals Menon, Managing Trustee – GHF
Dr Vinu Krishnan – Convener, Scientific Committee – ICIO2020
Dr Eswara Das – Chairman, GHF
Dr Jayesh Sanghavi – Vice Chairman, GHF
Dr Pai – Kannur Cancer Society
Dr Haleem – SAHYA Kerala
