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Dr. Akumar Maity, an independent researcher, has been pursuing his father’s unfinished research regarding an anticancer drug since 1992. His father, Jaykrishna Maity was an ayurvedic doctor and Maity has carried forward his research in the family laboratory in Shyampur, Howrah, West Bengal.

The research

After years of research, Dr. Maity had found that the plant that is commonly known as the holly-leaved acanthus (acanthus ilicifolious) can be a source of anti-cancer drugs. He then approached different medical colleges and research institutes to support him. However, according to him, the outcome of his research was used by other eminent scientists and he was left stranded.

He had to start his research afresh and in 2000, he developed an anti-cancer medicine from sea-algae. Dr. Maity claims that his medicine has the capacity to help patients recover from blood, pancreas and liver cancer. In 2000, Dr. Maity implemented his medicine on cancer patients who benefitted from it.

Swarnendu Das who is a vernacular electronics media journalist-based in Kolkata, is reportedly benefitted from Dr. Maity’s medicine. He was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2014 and undertook Dr. Maity’s medicines in addition to his regular treatment. He has recovered and is now reportedly out of danger.

Medicine for the poor

According to Dr. Maity, this medicine can be made available at affordable rates. He stated, “I want this medicine to be available at `2 so that needy can avail it and treat cancer.” He added that his motive was not to monetise his invention but to serve the economically marginalised.

Dr. Anup Majumdar, former Professor, Department of Oncology and Radiology, SSKM Hospital, Kolkata, informed BE, “Research work of Dr. Akumar Maity is encouraging and brings a ray of hope for terminal cancer patients. His research may be doing miracles but its efficacy has to be proven by certain stages of trial approved by scientific and medical councils.

The basic molecular structure which acts on cancer cells by destroying them or by growth inhibition has to be documented and approved for clinical use. There are different cancer bodies and associations like American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) which endorse and encourage newer research and treatment methodology for all types of cancer. His research may be presented there for acceptance by the global oncological fraternity. This will facilitate the use of this drug by local doctors and hospitals.”