Integrative approach leading to remarkable remission in Stage IV adenocarcinoma mucinous type

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, accounting for 18.7% of total cancer deaths globally. It has a poor prognosis as over half of the diagnosed patients succumb within 1 year, and a 5-year survival is <20%. Among the two major types of lung cancers, Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC) and SCLC, NSCLC adenocarcinoma mucinous type is more common and known to grow slowly. The treatment options vary depending on the stage of the disease and include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. This is a unique case report of a 56-year-old completely asymptomatic male diagnosed with fast-growing Stage IV adenocarcinoma mucinous type by the first symptom of a brain stroke. Radiological imaging by magnetic resonance imaging, Computed Tomography (CT)-guided biopsy, and Positron Emission Tomography (PET)-CT found three metastatic brain lesions with primary lesion in the lung. The treatment was initiated with anti-epileptics, targeted molecular cancer therapy followed by surgical excision of the metastatic brain lesions. During the postoperative period, adjuvant therapies including Ayurveda (herbo-mineral formulation), Yoga (sequence of Padmasadhana positions and Sudarshan kriya pranayama yoga ), Naturopathy, alongside chemotherapy, were given to the patient. Remarkably, the patient’s lung lesion regressed almost fully within about 1½ year of integrated treatment approach. No recurrence was observed with the follow-up of over 3 years of disease-free healthy life. This case suggests the potential safety and benefits of a holistic approach, using combination of Traditional and Complementary therapies of Ayurveda-Yoga with conventional treatment for advanced stage cancer.