A recent study by PhytoHealth Corporation, presented at the 2024 ESMO Congress, reveals that combining Astragalus Polysaccharides (PG2® Lyo. Injection) with standard concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) significantly improves survival rates for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer.
The study, involving 38 patients with stage IIb to IIIb esophageal cancer, compared CCRT alone versus CCRT combined with PG2®, a proprietary extract of Astragalus membranaceus roots developed by PhytoHealth Corporation. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in overall survival for patients receiving the combination therapy.
Enhanced Survival and Tumor Response
Patients treated with PG2® in addition to CCRT experienced notably longer overall survival compared to those receiving CCRT alone. The combination therapy also resulted in a higher tumor objective response rate, indicating a more effective reduction in tumor size and activity. This suggests that PG2® enhances the efficacy of standard chemoradiotherapy in treating esophageal cancer.
Immunomodulatory Effects of PG2®
The study further revealed that PG2® strengthens the immune system by modulating the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and enhancing the suppression of tumor growth. This immunomodulatory effect is crucial in combating cancer, as it helps the body's natural defenses target and eliminate cancer cells more effectively.
Expert Commentary
Dr. Wen-Chieh Huang, Chief of Division of Thoracic Surgery at Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taiwan, and the Principal Investigator of the clinical trial, stated, "These findings offer new hope for patients with esophageal cancer. PG2 has the potential to become a valuable addition to the standard treatment regimen and can achieve improved patient outcomes."
Dr. Huang also noted that PG2® combination therapy can reduce inflammation markers in the blood, decrease the differentiation of macrophages towards the M2 type, and help shrink tumors while improving survival rates. This represents a significant breakthrough in the treatment of esophageal cancer, where treatment options are relatively limited.
Improving Treatment Completion
Esophageal cancer patients often face challenges during treatment, with many unable to complete their therapy due to side effects and fatigue. Dr. Huang added that incorporating cancer-related fatigue (CRF) medication, such as PG2®, helps patients regain their strength, complete the full courses of cancer treatment, and achieve the expected therapeutic effects.
About PG2®
PG2®, previously approved by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration for treating cancer-related fatigue, has now shown promise as a potential treatment enhancer for esophageal cancer. This latest discovery marks a significant advancement in the ongoing battle against this challenging cancer, which is characterized by high recurrence rates and poor survival outcomes.
