Arbuda Chikitsa (Ayurveda Oncology): Current Evidence, Clinical Applications and Future Research Perspectives - A Review

Cancer is a major global public health challenge and remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The WHO Global Status Report on Cancer 2026 estimates approximately 20.6 million new cancer cases and nearly 10 million cancer-related deaths globally, highlighting the continuing need for effective strategies for cancer prevention, treatment, palliation, and survivorship. India bears a substantial cancer burden, with the latest IARC GLOBOCAN 2024 estimates reporting approximately 1.56 million new cancer cases. In Kerala, cancer has emerged as an important public health concern, with a considerable proportion of patients presenting at advanced stages, thereby increasing treatment complexity, morbidity, and healthcare costs. In Ayurveda, neoplastic conditions have been described under concepts including Arbuda and Granthi, with emphasis on the involvement of Dosha, Dhatu, Srotas, and impaired tissue homeostasis. Although these classical descriptions cannot be directly equated with modern pathological classifications of cancer, they provide a conceptual framework for understanding abnormal tissue growth and for developing individualized therapeutic approaches. Contemporary Ayurveda oncology is increasingly evolving from predominantly traditional and case-based practice towards integrative oncology and evidence-based research. The potential role of Ayurveda in cancer care encompasses prevention, supportive care, palliation, rehabilitation, and survivorship, with selected interventions being investigated as adjuncts to conventional cancer treatment. Ayurvedic approaches may contribute to symptom management, quality of life, nutritional support, psychological well-being, and the management of treatment-related complications. Herbal drugs and classical formulations have also demonstrated promising anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and apoptosis-related activities in preclinical studies. However, promising laboratory findings cannot be considered equivalent to demonstrated clinical anticancer efficacy. Evidence regarding the ability of Ayurvedic interventions to reduce chemotherapy- or radiotherapy-related toxicities and improve clinical outcomes remains heterogeneous and requires further rigorous evaluation. This review examines the conceptual basis of Arbuda Chikitsa, contemporary Ayurvedic approaches to cancer management, evidence from preclinical and clinical research, the potential role of Ayurveda as an adjunct to conventional oncology, safety considerations, and current research gaps. Particular emphasis is placed on the need for standardized interventions, pharmacological characterization, mechanistic studies, biomarker-based research, well-designed clinical trials, pharmacovigilance, and multidisciplinary collaboration between Ayurveda institutions and modern cancer centres. Establishing reproducible evidence through translational and clinical research is essential for determining the appropriate role of Ayurveda within contemporary integrative oncology.