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Single agent polysaccharopeptide delays metastases and improves survival in naturally occurring hemangiosarcoma
Dorothy Cimino Brown1, Jennifer Reetz
1Veterinary Clinical Investigations Center, Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine and University of Pennsylvania, 3900 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6010, USA.
Abstract:
The 2008 World Health Organization World Cancer Report describes global cancer incidence soaring with many patients living in countries that lack resources for cancer control. Alternative treatment strategies that can reduce the global disease burden at manageable costs must be developed. Polysaccharopeptide (PSP) is the bioactive agent from the mushroom Coriolus versicolor. Studies indicate PSP has in vitro antitumor activities and inhibits the growth of induced tumors in animal models. Clear evidence of clinically relevant benefits of PSP in cancer patients, however, is lacking. The investment of resources required to complete large-scale, randomized controlled trials of PSP in cancer patients is more easily justified if antitumor and survival benefits are documented in a complex animal model of a naturally occurring cancer that parallels human disease. Because of its high metastatic rate and vascular origin, canine hemangiosarcoma is used for investigations in antimetastatic and antiangiogenic therapies. In this double-blind randomized multidose pilot study, high-dose PSP significantly delayed the progression of metastases and afforded the longest survival times reported in canine hemangiosarcoma. These data suggest that, for those cancer patients for whom advanced treatments are not accessible, PSP as a single agent might offer significant improvements in morbidity and mortality.
Insights
Polysaccharopeptide (PSP) from Coriolus versicolor mushroom shows promise in treating cancer. In a canine hemangiosarcoma model, high-dose PSP significantly delayed metastasis and improved survival, suggesting potential for accessible cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Global cancer incidence is rising, particularly in resource-limited regions.
- There is a need for cost-effective cancer treatment alternatives.
- Polysaccharopeptide (PSP), derived from Coriolus versicolor, exhibits in vitro antitumor properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Polysaccharopeptide (PSP) in a naturally occurring cancer model.
- To investigate PSP's potential as an alternative cancer therapy in resource-limited settings.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized, multidose pilot study was conducted.
- Canine hemangiosarcoma, a highly metastatic cancer, was used as the model.
- High-dose PSP was administered to assess its impact on metastasis and survival.
Main Results:
- High-dose PSP significantly delayed the progression of metastases in canine hemangiosarcoma.
- The study observed the longest survival times reported for this cancer model.
- PSP demonstrated potential anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenic effects.
Conclusions:
- PSP may offer significant improvements in morbidity and mortality for cancer patients lacking access to advanced treatments.
- Further research, including large-scale clinical trials, is warranted to confirm PSP's benefits in human cancer patients.
