White Button Mushroom Extract Shows Promise in Slowing Prostate Cancer Progression
核心洞察
A phase II clinical trial reveals that white button mushroom extract may slow prostate cancer (搜索) progression by modulating the immune response.
The study found that the mushroom extract reduces myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs (搜索)) and activates T and natural killer (NK) cells in prostate cancer (搜索) patients.
In mouse models, the extract delayed tumor growth and extended survival, suggesting potential as an adjuvant therapy.
Researchers at City of Hope (搜索) have found that white button mushroom extract may offer anticancer benefits, specifically in slowing the progression of prostate cancer (搜索). The findings, stemming from both preclinical and clinical trials, suggest that the common edible mushroom can modulate the immune system to combat tumor growth.
Impact on Immune Response
The study, published in Clinical and Translational Medicine, investigated the effects of white button mushroom extract on myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs (搜索)), which are known to inhibit immune responses against cancer. Results from mouse models showed that the extract significantly delayed prostate tumor growth and extended survival. Notably, the treatment reduced the number and function of MDSCs, leading to an enhanced T-cell-mediated immune response.
In a phase II clinical trial involving prostate cancer (搜索) patients, researchers observed a similar reduction in MDSCs (搜索) and an activation of T and natural killer (NK) cells after three months of treatment with the mushroom extract. These immune cells are crucial for destroying cancer cells, suggesting a potential mechanism by which the mushroom extract exerts its anticancer effects.
Clinical Trial Details and Findings
The phase II trial builds upon earlier phase I findings, where white button mushroom tablets decreased prostate-specific antigen (PSA (搜索)) levels in some participants without affecting blood testosterone levels. In the current study, patients consumed between 16 to 28 tablets daily, each derived from 6g of fresh mushrooms. The primary endpoint focused on immune responses to the mushroom tablets.
"This study suggests that 'food as medicine' treatments could eventually become normal, evidence-based cancer care that is recommended for everyone touched by cancer," explains cancer biologist Shiuan Chen from the City of Hope (搜索).
Considerations and Future Directions
While the results are promising, researchers caution against self-prescribing mushroom supplements without medical guidance. "Our study emphasizes the importance of seeking professional guidance to ensure safety and to avoid self-prescribing supplements without consulting a health care provider," said Xiaoqiang Wang, MD, PhD, a City of Hope (搜索) staff scientist and the lead author of the study.
The team is now investigating whether the reduction in MDSCs (搜索) correlates with improved clinical outcomes in prostate cancer (搜索) patients. Additionally, they are exploring the potential of white button mushrooms in preventing breast cancer (搜索) in high-risk women, leveraging the mushroom's anti-aromatase activity to potentially control estrogen production and cancer progression.
Additional Research
City of Hope (搜索) researchers are also exploring other foods with potential medicinal properties, including grape seed extract, pomegranate, blueberries, and coffee berries, to further integrate "food as medicine" into cancer treatment and prevention strategies.