Effects of a Mushroom Mycelium Extract on the Treatment of Prostate Cancer

Authors: Ralph W. deVere White, Robert M. Hackman, Stephanie E. Soares, Laurel A. Beckett, and Buxi Sun

Journal: Urology

Study Design: The study was an open-label trial that investigated the effects of a shiitake mushroom extract (SME) on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in patients with prostate cancer. The primary endpoint was the lowering of PSA levels.

Participants: 62 men with histologically proven prostate cancer and elevated PSA levels

Intervention: The patients received oral administration of capsules containing SME three times daily for 6 months.

Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measure was the change in PSA levels. The secondary outcome measures included the safety and tolerability of SME.

Summary: The study found that SME was not effective in lowering PSA levels in patients with prostate cancer. Of the 61 assessable patients, none had a decrease of greater than 50% in PSA levels at 6 months. The study also found that SME was safe and well-tolerated. The authors concluded that SME alone is ineffective in the treatment of clinical prostate cancer.