ABSTRACT
Several studies have conclusively indicated that the current modalities including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, induce immune suppression, which could further compromise the patient and result in a recurrence and decrease in the survival rate. Considering all these issues, it is increasingly important to create a holistic approach for cancer treatment to maintain homeostasis and for better survival. Topical applications are favorable, as they circumvent the gut thereby eliminating the first by-pass mechanism. This is advantageous, as one could preferably reduce the dose of the chemo drug, thereby reducing the toxicity, and the instances of drug resistance are reduced. In the present study, the therapeutic potential of the topical application of the novel herbal formulation SRLape (SR033L; contains well established anti-oxidants, pro-apoptotic, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, immune modulatory condiments) against an Ehrlich ascites cell-induced hind limb solid tumor in the Swiss albino mice has been evaluated with respect to survival time, tumor burden, and hematological parameters. The results demonstrated that the acquisition of a tumor, increase in survival, and maintaining healthy immune status are accompanied by the topical application of SR033L, for inhibition (P < 0.01). SR033L may therefore have chemo-protective and anti-tumor effects without toxicity and with immune-modulatory properties for restoring a healthy status.
