Phase 2: “Food as Medicine” Research from City Of Hope
This research on the effects of white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) supplements on prostate cancer is important for several reasons:
● It provides evidence that “food as medicine” can be a viable approach to cancer treatment and prevention. The study found that white button mushroom supplements reduced the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which are immune cells that weaken the immune system and allow cancer to spread. This finding supports the growing field of integrative oncology, which uses naturally derived therapies for cancer treatment.
● It highlights the potential of white button mushrooms as a safe and effective treatment option for prostate cancer. The research team observed promising results in both preclinical mouse models and a phase 2 clinical trial with human participants. In mouse models, white button mushroom extract delayed tumor growth, extended survival, and improved T cell immune response by reducing MDSC levels. In the human clinical trial, participants who took white button mushroom supplements showed a decrease in MDSCs and an increase in anti-tumor T and natural killer cells.
● It emphasizes the need for further research to validate these findings and explore the clinical implications. While the initial results are promising, the researchers acknowledge that the study is ongoing and more research is needed to determine the long-term effects of white button mushroom supplements on prostate cancer patients. They are currently investigating whether the reduction in MDSCs is associated with improved clinical outcomes.
● It encourages people to incorporate more fresh white button mushrooms into their diet. While the researchers caution against self-prescribing supplements without consulting a healthcare provider, they suggest that adding fresh white button mushrooms to one’s diet could be beneficial.
This research contributes valuable insights into the potential of using natural substances like white button mushrooms to support traditional cancer treatment and prevention practices. It underscores the importance of continued research in this area to develop evidence-based “food as medicine” approaches that could benefit countless individuals affected by cancer.