Dynamic biomarkers indicate the immunological benefits provided by Ganoderma spore powder in post-operative breast and lung cancer patients

Authors: Y. Deng, J. Ma, D. Tang, Q. Zhang

Journal: Clinical and Translational Oncology

Study Design:

• Intervention: 2000 mg of Ganoderma spore powder twice a day for 6 weeks or placebo
• Participants: 120 breast and lung cancer patients undergoing post-operative adjuvant chemotherapy
• Duration: 6 weeks
• Outcome Measures:
  • T lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, etc.)
  • Cytokine levels (IL-12, IL-10, COX2, TGF-β1, etc.)
  • Inflammatory biomarkers (albumin-to-globulin ratio (AGR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR))
  • Progression-free survival (PFS)
  • Overall survival (OS)

Summary: This study investigated the effects of Ganoderma spore powder (G. lucidum) on the immune system and clinical outcomes in breast and lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The results showed that G. lucidum increased the levels of certain beneficial immune cells (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+) and cytokines (IL-12), while decreasing the levels of immunosuppressive cells and cytokines (CD4+CD25+Treg, CD3+HLADR+, IL-10, COX2, TGF-β1). Additionally, patients with higher AGR and lower NLR, which are indicators of better immune function and lower inflammation, had improved progression-free survival and overall survival. These findings suggest that G. lucidum may enhance the immune response and improve outcomes in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.