Maitake Mushroom Extract in Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): A Phase II Study

Authors: Kathleen M. Wesa, Susanna Cunningham-Rundles, Virginia M. Klimek, Emily Vertosick, Marci I. Coleton, K. Simon Yeung, Hong Lin, Stephen Nimer, Barrie R. Cassileth

Journal: Cancer Immunology Immunotherapy

Study Design: Phase II, open-label, non-randomized trial

Participants: 21 patients with low- or intermediate-1-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)

Trial Length: 12 weeks

Intervention: Maitake extract 3 mg/kg twice daily orally

Primary Outcomes: Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and neutrophil function (respiratory burst response)

Secondary Outcomes: Hemoglobin, platelet, and reticulocyte counts; monocyte function; iron studies

Summary: The study investigated the effects of Maitake mushroom extract on innate immune function in MDS patients. The results showed that Maitake was well-tolerated and led to enhanced neutrophil and monocyte function. The extract increased endogenous neutrophil and monocyte activity and improved monocyte response to E. coli and fMLP stimulation. The study concludes that Maitake has beneficial immunomodulatory potential in MDS and warrants further investigation.