[Evaluation of quality of life and immune function in cancer patients receiving combined immunotherapy and oral administration of lentinula edodes mycelia extract]

Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. 2012 Nov;39(12):1779-81.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

Lentinula edodes mycelia extract(LEM) may mitigate the immunosuppression caused by regulatory T cells(Tregs), and it is therefore expected that LEM will be useful with cancer immunotherapy. In this study, we evaluated the quality of life (QOL) and immune function in cancer patients receiving a combination of immunotherapy and oral administration of LEM.

Methods: Ten patients who had received cancer immunotherapy were enrolled. They received cancer immunotherapy alone for the first 4 weeks, and were then administered LEM (1,800 mg/day) with cancer immunotherapy for the next 4 weeks. QOL scores and immune parameters were evaluated at weeks 0, 4, and 8.

Results: The total score for QOL was improved during the period with LEM administration compared to the period with immunotherapy alone. Interferon (IFN)-γ secretion from peripheral blood cells was increased during the period with LEM administration. The change in IFN-γ secretion in the LEM administration period possibly correlated with changes in the Treg population.

Conclusion: Oral administration of LEM may improve QOL and immunity in patients receiving cancer immunotherapy.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Quality of Life*
  • Shiitake Mushrooms / chemistry*