Spore Powder of Ganoderma Lucidum Improves Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Endocrine Therapy: A Pilot Clinical Trial

Authors: Hong Zhao, Qingyuan Zhang, Ling Zhao, Xu Huang, Jincai Wang, and Xinmei Kang

Journal: Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Study Design:

• Intervention: Spore powder of Ganoderma lucidum (1000 mg three times a day) or placebo
• Participants: 48 breast cancer patients with cancer-related fatigue undergoing endocrine therapy
• Duration: 4 weeks
• Outcome Measures:
  • Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Fatigue (FACT-F)
  • Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
  • EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ-C30)
  • Concentrations of TNF-\u03b1 and IL-6 (inflammatory markers)

Summary: This pilot study investigated the effects of Ganoderma lucidum spore powder on cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and quality of life in breast cancer patients undergoing endocrine therapy. After 4 weeks, the group receiving G. lucidum showed significant improvements in physical well-being, fatigue, emotional well-being, functional well-being, anxiety, depression, and overall quality of life compared to the placebo group. Additionally, the levels of inflammatory markers TNF-\u03b1 and IL-6 were significantly reduced in the G. lucidum group. No serious adverse effects were reported. These findings suggest that G. lucidum spore powder may be a safe and effective treatment for CRF in breast cancer patients.