Mumbai: For years, cancer patients at Tata Memorial Hospital had been consuming papaya leaf extract during chemotherapy cycles without their doctor’s approval. A few years ago, the hospital embarked on a study to find answers regarding its true effectiveness. The results are finally out: While raw papaya leaf extract can cause gastrointestinal issues, a standardised tablet form can support patients by restoring their platelet counts.A normal platelet count ranges from 1,50,000 to 4,50,000 per microlitre of blood. Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, where the platelet count falls as low as 50,000-1,00,000, is a common side effect of cancer treatment. It increases the risk of bleeding and frequently forces oncologists to delay treatment or reduce chemotherapy doses.The routine solution to this problem is a drug called romiplostim, which helps the body produce blood platelets by mimicking a natural hormone. “It is effective but is expensive and comes with side effects,” said Dr Vikas Ostwal, professor of medical oncology at the hospital and principal investigator of the study.The expenses can reach up to Rs 15,000 per week, and the time it takes to bring platelets back to normal can spill over to three weeks, resulting in treatment delays.Conversely, according to Dr Ostwal, the papaya leaf extract pills offer rapid platelet recovery at a dose of three tablets per day, costing Rs 300 in total for a 10-day course. He noted that this remedy was already in use as a supportive treatment for dengue patients.The phase-3 results of the study were published in JCO Global Oncology, the international journal of American Society of Clinical Oncology. The study evaluated 219 patients with solid tumours who developed low platelet counts during chemotherapy. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either papaya leaf extract pills or a placebo in addition to standard care.The researchers found that patients receiving the papaya leaf extract pills recovered their platelet counts significantly faster, experienced fewer chemotherapy delays and dose reductions, and were more likely to continue treatment on schedule. “Our researchers have generated evidence that could benefit cancer patients not only in India but also across the world,” said Dr Sudeep Gupta, director of Tata Memorial Hospital.
