Efficacy of Lentinan Combined with Chemotherapy in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Authors: Wang Wenwu, Dai Xihu, Ouyang Xuenong

Journal: Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial

Participants: 81 patients with stage III/IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Intervention: The patients were divided into two groups:

• Lentinan + chemotherapy group (group A, n = 42): Received lentinan plus chemotherapy (vinorelbine and cisplatin)
• Chemotherapy group (group B, n = 39): Received chemotherapy (vinorelbine and cisplatin) only

Outcome Measures:

• Objective response rate (CR + PR)
• T lymphocyte subsets (CD3, CD4, CD4/CD8) and natural killer (NK) cell activity
• Karnofsky performance score
• Adverse reactions

Summary: The study investigated the efficacy of lentinan combined with chemotherapy in treating advanced NSCLC. The results showed that the combination therapy significantly improved the objective response rate compared to chemotherapy alone (50% vs. 33%, P < 0.05). The combination therapy also enhanced immune function, as evidenced by increased T cell levels (CD3, CD4, CD4/CD8) and NK cell activity. Additionally, the quality of life, as assessed by the Karnofsky performance score, was significantly better in the combination therapy group. The incidence of severe adverse reactions, such as leukopenia and nausea/vomiting, was lower in the combination therapy group. The study concluded that lentinan combined with chemotherapy is more effective than chemotherapy alone in treating advanced NSCLC.