A clinical trial by researchers at the country’s most prestigious cancer institute, Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) suggesting that Carica Papaya Leaf Extract (CPLE) can help cancer patients recover platelet counts faster during chemotherapy has triggered an unexpected controversy.
The debate began after the Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO) Global Oncology placed an Expression of Concern on the paper following a complaint by Kerala-based hepatologist Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, better known on social media as Liverdoc.
Derived from the leaves of the papaya plant, CPLE is extensively utilized in both traditional Ayurvedic remedies and modern phytotherapy to treat low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) associated with conditions like dengue fever and chemotherapy treatments.
While the journal reviews the issues raised, TMC researchers maintain that the study was conducted using rigorous scientific methods and point out that an Expression of Concern is a procedural step rather than a finding of misconduct.
They also contend that the conversation has been shaped as much by social media rhetoric as by scientific questions, arguing that criticism should ultimately be settled through evidence and peer-reviewed research rather than online campaigns.
PROMISING RESULTS
Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia – a fall in platelet counts after chemotherapy – is a frequent challenge in cancer treatment. When platelet levels drop significantly, oncologists are often forced to delay chemotherapy or reduce drug doses, potentially compromising treatment outcomes.
The TMC study, published in March this year, evaluated CPLE in nearly 200 patients with chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia.
According to the researchers, patients receiving papaya leaf extract experienced significantly faster platelet recovery, with improvements evident as early as Day 4 compared with those receiving placebo.
Perhaps more importantly, from a clinical perspective, the treatment substantially reduced chemotherapy interruptions among patients with moderate thrombocytopenia.
Only 25 per cent of patients in the CPLE arm required dose reductions or treatment delays, compared with 43 per cent in the placebo group. Researchers also reported no serious treatment-related adverse events.
For patients, the attraction is obvious. A roughly 10-day course costs around Rs300, making it one of the least expensive supportive interventions if its benefits are confirmed through further research.
SOCIAL MEDIA STORM
The controversy erupted after Dr Philips announced on social media that the journal had issued an Expression of Concern because of “doubts regarding fraud” after he informed the editors.
Calling it “a black spot on Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital,” he went on to describe the work as “shameful research” and warned reputed institutions against conducting integrative medicine studies supported by the AYUSH ecosystem or the alternative medicine industry.
The problem, TMC researchers argue, is that an Expression of Concern is not a finding of misconduct. It is a temporary editorial mechanism used while journals examine issues that have been raised. At present, the investigation remains ongoing, and the journal has not withdrawn or retracted the paper.
Senior oncologist and researcher Dr Kumar Prabhash, one of the study’s co-authors, strongly defended both the research and his colleagues.
“Someone accusing me of being a thief does not make me a thief – and neither police saying it will enquire into the allegation,” he said.
Dr Prabhash noted that the study had undergone peer review before publication in a leading international oncology journal and in 2025 an oral presentation on it was made at ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) annual meeting, considered the world’s most prestigious cancer conference.
He also questioned what he described as a pattern of social media attacks rather than scientific engagement.
“The accuser, who has barely done any good quality research and never published in a top scientific journal, has a habit of throwing muck at people. He should take the issue academically instead of indulging in mudslinging on social media,” he told India Today.
He maintained that the trial was undertaken with complete scientific neutrality.
“If the results had been negative, we would have published those too. But just because this happens to be an AYUSH (traditional medicine) product, he is reacting this way.”
Dr Prabhash said the purpose of such research is precisely to separate useful traditional products from ineffective ones through rigorous randomised controlled trials.
“All we are trying to do is pick some AYUSH products – just like many modern medicines originated from natural products – and scientifically evaluate whether they work. If someone can prove us otherwise through their own research, they are most welcome.”
He also pointed out that lead investigator Dr Vikas Ostwal has an established publication record in internationally respected oncology journals, underscoring the team’s research credentials.
India Today has also reached out to TMC for a formal statement. This copy will be updated if and when a reply is received.
SCIENCE OVER NOISE
Another TMC oncologist-researcher, who was not involved in the study and requested anonymity, offered a more measured perspective.
“There is nothing wrong with someone raising a query, and there is nothing wrong with the journal saying it is investigating it,” the oncologist said. “An accusation is not the same as a final verdict.”
However, the doctor questioned the manner in which the issue has unfolded publicly.
“The problem, in my opinion, is using social media to create propaganda and gain visibility before the scientific process has run its course.”
The oncologist also cautioned against dismissing every plant-derived therapy simply because of its association with traditional medicine.
Medicine, the doctor noted, routinely relies on compounds originating from plants.
Some are used directly as standardised herbal medicines, while others are purified natural compounds such as digoxin, colchicine and morphine. Many modern drugs, including paclitaxel, irinotecan and aspirin, are synthetic or semisynthetic derivatives inspired by naturally occurring molecules.
“The expression of opinion is fine,” the oncologist said. “But not necessarily the tone, especially if the objective is to educate the public.”
– Ends
