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Medical mushrooms used for biochemical failure after radical treatment for prostate cancer: an open-label study
Koji Yoshimura1, Toshiyuki Kamoto, Osamu Ogawa
1Department of Urology, Translational Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of two different types of medical mushrooms in patients with prostate cancer in Japan.
Methods:
Patients with biochemical failure after radical treatment for non-metastasized prostate cancer were enrolled in this open-label study. For 6 months they ingested one of the two following supplements: Senseiro, containing extracts from the Agaricus blazei Murill mushroom; and Rokkaku Reishi, containing the Ganoderma lucidum mushroom. Levels of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level and PSA doubling time were examined before and after study entry to assess the impact of these supplements on disease progression. The primary end-point of this study was partial response rate (50% or more decrease of serum PSA). Hormonal status, represented by serum testosterone levels, and toxicity were also assessed.
Results:
A total of 51 patients were enrolled following radical prostatectomy. Forty-seven completed the protocol and could be assessed. Thirty-two patients received Senseiro and the remaining 15 received Rokkaku Reishi. No partial response in terms of PSA was observed. Alteration of PSA doubling time did not correlate with that of serum testosterone levels. Serious adverse effects were not observed.
Conclusions:
No significant anticancer effects were observed with the intake of these two medical mushrooms.
Insights
This study found that Agaricus blazei Murill (Senseiro) and Ganoderma lucidum (Rokkaku Reishi) mushrooms did not show significant anticancer effects in prostate cancer patients. No improvement in PSA levels or disease progression was observed.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Mushroom research
- Integrative medicine
Background:
- Prostate cancer is a significant health concern, especially in Japan.
- Medical mushrooms are explored for potential therapeutic benefits in cancer.
- Understanding the efficacy of specific mushroom extracts like Agaricus blazei Murill and Ganoderma lucidum is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Agaricus blazei Murill (Senseiro) and Ganoderma lucidum (Rokkaku Reishi) in Japanese prostate cancer patients.
- To assess the impact of these mushroom supplements on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and disease progression.
- To examine hormonal status and toxicity associated with the mushroom interventions.
Main Methods:
- Open-label study involving 51 patients with biochemical failure after prostate cancer treatment.
- Participants ingested either Senseiro (Agaricus blazei Murill) or Rokkaku Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) for 6 months.
- Serum PSA levels, PSA doubling time, testosterone levels, and toxicity were monitored.
Main Results:
- No partial response (≥50% PSA decrease) was observed in any patient.
- PSA doubling time did not correlate with changes in serum testosterone levels.
- No serious adverse effects were reported during the study.
Conclusions:
- The investigated medical mushroom extracts, Senseiro and Rokkaku Reishi, did not demonstrate significant anticancer effects in this patient cohort.
- Further research may be needed to explore other mushroom species or different therapeutic approaches.
- The safety profile of these mushrooms was favorable, with no serious adverse events noted.