Medicinal Mushrooms as Immunomodulatory Adjuvants in Cancer Therapy: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Enhancing the host immune response is a key strategy in oncology. Medicinal mushrooms, such as Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) and Trametes versicolor (Turkey Tail), contain bioactive polysaccharides with immunomodulatory properties. This review evaluates their role as adjuvant cancer immunotherapies.

Methods: A systematic search was performed to identify clinical trials assessing the immunological and clinical effects of medicinal mushroom extracts in cancer patients. Outcomes of interest included immune cell counts (NK cells, T-cells), cytokine levels, and clinical endpoints like survival.

Results: The analysis of 38 studies revealed that supplementation with mushroom extracts, particularly PSK and PSP from Trametes versicolor, consistently increased lymphocyte and NK cell counts and activity. Several studies also reported improved survival and reduced recurrence rates in patients with gastric, colorectal, and lung cancer when mushrooms were combined with conventional therapy.

Discussion: Medicinal mushrooms function as potent biological response modifiers. Their ability to stimulate both innate and adaptive immunity provides a strong basis for their use as adjuvants to standard cancer treatments.

Conclusion: Medicinal mushrooms are effective immunomodulatory agents that can serve as valuable adjuvants in cancer therapy.