Editorial Board

Editorial

Breast cancer is the leading cancer among Indian women in both incidence and mortality. This study synthesizes published registry and modeling data to summarize its regional distribution, age-specific patterns, and projected burden through 2036. A narrative epidemiological synthesis (not a primary data analysis) was undertaken using secondary data from the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP), 43 Population- based cancer registries (2015–2019), the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database, GLOBOCAN 2020, and peer-reviewed publications (2018–2025). Age-adjusted incidence rates, average annual percent change, and ARIMA-based projections are drawn directly from these primary sources; original statistical modeling was not performed for this review. The synthesis indicates that an estimated 238,085 new breast cancer cases were diagnosed among Indian women in 2024 (crude incidence rate of 34.5 per 100,000), representing the largest share of female cancers. Uttar Pradesh reported the highest absolute burden, while Hyderabad reported the highest age-adjusted incidence rate. Incidence peaked in women aged 40–64, with a rising trend among younger urban women. More than half of the cases were diagnosed at stage III–IV, corresponding to a 5-year survival of approximately 60%, compared with roughly 80–90% in high-income countries. Published ARIMA-based modeling estimates the direct and indirect economic burden of breast cancer in India at $10.20 billion in 2025, rising toward $13.95–$17.02 billion by 2030 depending on the income measure used; figures beyond 2030 are extrapolations that are not present in the source study and should be interpreted with caution. These findings highlight breast cancer as a substantial and growing public health burden in India, marked by late-stage presentation, regional disparity, and considerable economic impact. Expanded population-based screening, strengthened oncology infrastructure, and targeted prevention are indicated to reduce this burden.

Bhagandara (fistula-in-ano) is characterized by an abnormal communication between the anal canal or rectum and the external perianal surface. The condition typically originates as a perianal boil or ischiorenal abscess which, upon suppuration, discharges pus. As the tract matures and establishes communication with the rectum, it may also discharge feces and flatus. In modern surgery, while operative management remains the primary approach for fistula-in-ano, it is often associated with technical uncertainties, significant postoperative complications, and a high rate of recurrence. To address these challenges, this clinical trial evaluates the efficacy of Ksharasutra therapy. As a well-established Ayurvedic procedure, Ksharasutra offers a minimally invasive alternative that can be performed in outpatient clinics using simple instruments, aiming to improve success rates while minimizing postoperative hazards. A total of 100 cases of Bhagandara (fistula-in-ano) were selected for this study. The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups of 50 patients each: Group I (Control Group) and Group II (Treated Group). Patients in Group I were treated with Standard Ksharasutra, prepared using Apamarga Kshara, Snuhi Ksheera, and Haridra and patients in Group II were treated with a Modified Ksharasutra, prepared using Apamarga Kshara, Snuhi Ksheera, Arka Ksheera, and Haridra. The study assessed clinical progress using several parameters, the most significant being the Unit Cutting Time (UCT). The UCT is measured in days/cm and serves as a precise indicator of the total duration of treatment and the rate of tissue healing. The average Unit Cutting Time (UCT) was 6.60 days/cm in Group I (Control), which received the Standard Ksharasutra, and 5.33 days/cm in Group II (Treated), which received the Modified Ksharasutra with Arka Ksheera.

Acharya Sushruta, the pioneer of ancient Indian surgery, has meticulously elucidated numerous therapeutic modalities for the management of diverse disease conditions, including Astavidha Shastrakarma (~eight fundamental surgical procedures), Anushastra Karma (para-surgical procedures), and Shasthi Upakrama (~sixty therapeutic approaches), etc. Among them, Vedhana Karma is a notable technique in Shalya Chikitsa (~surgical practice), whereas Viddha Karma is a more specific, smaller- scale form of this, primarily used as a Shoolaghna Chikitsa (~pain-relief therapy). This procedure requires a more precise approach, and its effectiveness is gaining attention because it is being extensively practiced nowadays. Auriculotherapy is an established complementary medical technique based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, which utilizes stimulation of specific auricular points for the management of various physical and mental health issues related to pain. Therefore, in the present study, the principles of auriculotherapy were integrated with Viddha Karma to identify safer and more localized therapeutic points for the management of headache , with the objective of evaluating its clinical efficacy and safety profile in chronic headache disorders.

Amlapitta!is a common gastrointestinal disorder described in classical Ayurvedic texts, characterized mainly by! Avipaka,! Utklesha,! Tikta- Amla Udgara, and! Hrit-Kantha Daha. In modern medicine, it is considered similar to functional dyspepsia and acid peptic disorders. It is characterized by the prevalence of chronicity and recurrence despite standard therapy. This study was undertaken to assess the clinical outcome of an Ayurvedic management protocol in a patient with chronic!Amlapitta. !A 40-year-old male patient presented with complaints of epigastric burning, sour belching, nausea, heaviness in the abdomen, and irregular appetite for the past 3 years. The condition was recurrent and showed partial response to conventional medications. The diagnosis was! Amlapitta! with a predominance of! Pitta! and! Vata Doshas! along with! Agnimandya, based on classical Ayurvedic parameters. Organic pathology was ruled out by upper GI endoscopy. !The patient was treated with a personalized Ayurvedic treatment protocol consisting of!Shamana Aushadhi,!Pathya–Apathya!(diet regulation), and lifestyle modifications to pacify! Pitta, correct! impaired Agni, and normalize gastrointestinal (GI) function. !Assessment was carried out using a subjective symptom scoring system (graded from 0–3) before treatment, during treatment, and after completion of therapy. A followup assessment was also conducted 60 days after treatment. There was a significant reduction in key symptoms such as epigastric burning, sour eructation, nausea, and indigestion, with improvement in appetite and overall well-being. The therapeutic effect was sustained at the 60-day followup. !The present case demonstrates the potential of individualized Ayurvedic management in chronic!Amlapitta!and highlights the relevance of classical principles in the management of functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Vatakantaka is a debilitating Vatavyadhi marked by intense heel pain resulting from aggravated Vata confined to the Pada Pradesh. Clinically, its features appear similar to those of a calcaneal spur assoiated with with plantar fasciitis. Modern management mainly depends on pain relievers and physical therapy, which often offer short-term relief. Ayurveda provides a comprehensive approach through Agnikarma and Panchakarma processes focused on rectifying the fundamental Dosha imbalance. This study was undertaken with the aim to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Agnikarma combined with Panchakarma interventions in the management of Vatakantaka. A 48-year-old female patient diagnosed with calcaneal spur was treated with Agnikarma using a Panchadhatu Shalaka, Dashamoola Nadi Sweda, Pada Abhyanga, Upanaha Sweda, and internal Ayurvedic medicines for 28 days. Clinical assessment was performed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), tenderness grading, walking tolerance, and Foot Function Index (FFI). A remarkable reduction in pain, tenderness, and functional disability was observed. VAS score reduced from 9 to 1, and the FFI improved significantly after treatment. The patient regained comfortable ambulation without recurrence during followup. Thus, Agnikarma, integrated with Panchakarma modalities demonstrated substantial therapeutic benefits in Vatakantaka and may be considered a potentially effective non-surgical intervention in themanagement of calcaneal spur.