Utility of Carica papaya extract in treatment of chemotherapy induced thrombocytopenia in humans, experience of a tertiary care hospital in Kashmir

Chemotherapy is still the standard of care in management of solid tumors. Chemotherapy has a common toxicity of myelosuppression. Some chemotherapy regimens cause either thrombocytopenia or bi-cytopenia. Living in developing countries pose another challenge in treatment of myelosuppression, and to continue timely chemotherapy. Aim: To study the role of Carica Papaya extract in treatment of chemo induced thrombocytopenia in low socio-economic strata of patients. Methods: It was a prospective study, in which patients of different solid tumors were enrolled. Haemogram of all patients was recorded when they got myelosuppression on continuation of chemotherapy. Carica Papaya plant extract in the form of capsule (Swiss count from Friska) 700 to 1400 mg a day in two divided doses was given for a period of five days. Repeat haemogram was carried out on sixth day. Results: There was median nine fold rise in platelet count and median 1.65 fold rise in total leucocyte count in cases, while as in controls; there was 4.3 fold rise in platelet count. Conclusion: This is a very economical method of treatment of chemotherapy induced myelosuppression and very much recommended for developing countries, to decrease cost of treatment significantly.