Table 1.

Medicines' earlier concepts of cancer	Ayurvedic concepts of cancer	Evidence supporting ayurvedic concepts of cancer
Cancer results from sequential genetic events which lead to uncontrolled cell growth and resistance to cell death.	Cancer results when abnormal interactions between Prakriti (genotype) and environmental factors vitiate the Doshas and impair immunity.	Abnormalities besides aberrant cell growth and cell death cause cancer. Epigenetic regulation, diet, environmental factors, and immunity affect phenotypes.
Most cancers arise due to sporadic mutations in specific tissues, and spread to other organs.	Interaction between vitiated Doshas and weak tissues (Dhatus) manifests as cancers of specific organs.	Shared molecular pathology between cancer and metabolic syndrome.
High-fiber diets associated with lower risk of heart disease and cancer. Inflammation process was not linked to cancer.	Links between improper diet, digestion, metabolism, inflammation, and disease. “Ama” maybe a novel biomarker for early inflammation.	Chronic inflammation actively promotes all stages of carcinogenesis.
Chemotherapy or radiotherapy are not selective for cancer tissue. These therapies also destroy normal tissue and have severe side effects.	Therapies indirectly target cancer tissue by eliminating vitiated Doshas, rejuvenating Dhatus, and restoring immunity.	Anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic drugs indirectly destroy cancer tissue. Immunotherapy. Cancer vaccines.