Effects of water-soluble Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides on the immune functions of patients with advanced lung cancer.
Preclinical studies have established that the polysaccharide fractions of Ganoderma lucidum have potential antitumor activity. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated that G. lucidum polysaccharides enhance host immune functions [e.g., enhanced natural killer (NK) cell activity] in patients with advanced solid tumors, although an objective response was not observed. This open-label study aimed to evaluate the effects of water-soluble G. lucidum polysaccharides (Ganopoly, Encore International Corp., Auckland, New Zealand) on immune functions in patients with advanced lung cancer. Thirty-six patients were enrolled and treated with 5.4 g/day Ganopoly for 12 weeks. In the 30 cancer patients who completed the trial, treatment with Ganopoly did not significantly alter the mean mitogenic reactivity to phytohemagglutinin, mean counts of CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD56, mean plasma concentrations of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, and interferon (IFN)-gamma, or NK activity in the patients, but the results were significantly variable. However, some cancer patients demonstrated markedly modulated immune functions. The changes in IL-1 were correlated with those for IL-6, IFN-gamma, CD3, CD8, and NK activity (P < .05), and IL-2 changes were correlated with those for IL-6, CD8, and NK activity. The results suggest that subgroups of cancer patients might be responsive to Ganopoly in combination with chemotherapy/radiotherapy. Further studies are needed to explore the efficacy and safety of Ganopoly used alone or in combination with chemotherapy/radiotherapy in lung cancer patients.
Gao
Yihuai
Y
Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University, New Zealand.
Tang
Wenbo
W
Dai
Xihu
X
Gao
He
H
Chen
Guoliang
G
Ye
Jinxian
J
Chan
Eli
E
Koh
Hwee Ling
HL
Li
Xiaotian
X
Zhou
Shufeng
S
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D016131:Lymphocyte Subsets; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020940:Reishi / Q000737:chemistry*; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D011134:Polysaccharides