Efficacy of Lentinula edodes Mycelia Extract on Chemotherapy-Related Tasted Disorders in Pancreatic Cancer Patients

Authors: Hiroaki Yanagimoto, Satoshi Hirooka, Tomohisa Yamamoto, So Yamaki & Mitsugu Sekimoto

Journal: Nutrition and Cancer

Study Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Participants: 98 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) undergoing chemotherapy (55 in the AHCC group and 43 in the placebo group)

Intervention:

• AHCC group: Received AHCC® (Active Hexose Correlated Compound), a standardized extract of cultured Lentinula edodes mycelia
• Placebo group: Received a placebo

Outcome Measures:

• Incidence of anemia (grades 2-3)
• Occurrence of taste disorders
• Changes in nutritional parameters

Summary: The study aimed to investigate the effects of AHCC®, an extract of Lentinula edodes mycelia, on chemotherapy-related adverse events, particularly taste disorders and anemia, in patients with pancreatic cancer. The results showed that AHCC® did not significantly reduce the incidence of anemia. However, it did significantly decrease the occurrence of taste disorders and improve nutritional parameters compared to the placebo. The study concluded that AHCC® may be beneficial in preventing taste disorders and improving the quality of life in patients undergoing chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer.