A Randomized Double Blinded Study of Ganoderma Lucidum (Lingzhi) in Salvage Setting of Recurrent Gynecologic Cancer

Authors: Prapaporn Suprasert, Chatchawann Apichartpiyakul, Choompone Sakonwasun, Pimonphan Nitisuwanraksa, and Rochana Phuackchantuck

Journal: International Journal of Cancer and Clinical Research

Study Design:

• Intervention: 6000 mg/day of Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) in water extract or spore form, or placebo
• Participants: 60 gynecologic cancer patients who failed at least two chemotherapy regimens
• Duration: 12 weeks
• Outcome Measures:
  • Toxicity
  • Immunomodulation (CD4, CD8, NK cells, IFN-y)
  • Quality of life (Thai-Modified Function Living Index Cancer Questionnaire)
  • Tumor response (RECIST criteria)
  • Overall survival

Summary: This study investigated the effects of Lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum) on recurrent gynecologic cancer patients who had failed previous chemotherapy treatments. The study found that Lingzhi, in either water extract or spore form, appeared to stabilize the disease in some patients (38.1% in the water extract group and 50% in the spore group) without causing significant adverse effects. There was no significant difference in overall survival between the groups, but the Lingzhi groups tended to have better survival rates than the placebo group. The study also found no significant effects of Lingzhi on immune function or quality of life. However, due to the small sample size and high dropout rate, further research is needed to confirm these findings.