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Active Hexose-Correlated Compound Shows Direct and Indirect Effects against Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Summary

Researchers tested a mushroom-derived supplement called AHCC against chronic lymphocytic leukemia in laboratory and animal studies. AHCC killed leukemia cells directly and also reduced supportive cells in the tumor environment. When combined with antibody therapy, AHCC significantly improved outcomes in mouse models, suggesting it could be a promising addition to current leukemia treatments.

Background

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is an incurable disease affecting primarily elderly patients. Nurse-like cells (NLCs) in the tumor microenvironment support CLL cell survival and drug resistance. Active Hexose-Correlated Compound (AHCC), a mushroom extract, has shown antitumor properties in various cancers.

Objective

To determine whether AHCC has direct cytotoxic effects on CLL cells and indirect effects by targeting tumor-supportive NLCs. The study also tested AHCC’s efficacy in mouse models of CLL and AML, alone and in combination with antibody therapy.

Results

AHCC directly reduced CLL cell viability in a dose-dependent manner and significantly reduced NLC numbers while altering their phenotype. In mouse models, AHCC treatment extended survival and reduced tumor burden. Importantly, AHCC enhanced the antitumor effects of anti-CD20 antibody therapy in the CLL model.

Conclusion

AHCC demonstrates both direct and indirect antitumor effects against CLL through cytotoxicity on leukemic cells and antagonism of tumor-supportive NLCs. These findings support clinical testing of AHCC as a single agent and as an adjuvant to immune-based therapies for CLL.
  • Published in:Nutrients,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research (In Vitro and In Vivo Studies),
  • Source: PMID: 38140397
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