Exploring the Anticancer Potential of Coriolus versicolor in Breast Cancer: A Review

Author: mycolabadmin
10/1/2025
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Summary

Coriolus versicolor, a medicinal mushroom known as Turkey tail in North America, contains special compounds that show promise in fighting breast cancer. Research shows these compounds can slow cancer cell growth, trigger cancer cell death through multiple pathways, prevent cancer spread, and boost the immune system’s ability to fight tumors. While early results are encouraging and the mushroom appears safe, more research is needed before it can be recommended as a standard breast cancer treatment.

Background

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among women globally, with increasing incidence projected in the coming years. Despite advances in standard oncologic therapies, there is growing interest in supportive interventions that enhance treatment efficacy and reduce adverse effects. The medicinal mushroom Coriolus versicolor has been used in traditional medicine for over 2000 years and is approved in Asia for immunotherapy and cancer support.

Objective

This review critically evaluates preclinical and clinical data on Coriolus versicolor and its bioactive compounds—primarily polysaccharide-K (PSK), polysaccharopeptide (PSP), and laccase—as potential adjuvants in breast cancer therapy. The review aims to synthesize current knowledge on molecular mechanisms, immunological effects, and clinical efficacy across various breast cancer subtypes.

Results

Findings consistently demonstrate antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, necroptotic, anti-invasive, and immunomodulatory effects across various breast cancer subtypes, including triple-negative breast cancer. Studies identified multiple molecular mechanisms including apoptosis induction, estrogen signaling disruption, necroptosis activation via RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL pathway, MMP-9 downregulation, and immunomodulation through TLR4/NF-κB pathway modulation. One phase I clinical trial reported good tolerability and immunological benefits in patients post-chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Coriolus versicolor shows promising potential as a safe, natural adjunct to conventional breast cancer therapy. While results are encouraging across preclinical and early clinical studies, larger placebo-controlled trials, standardized preparations, and comprehensive pharmacokinetic data are needed to confirm efficacy and support clinical implementation in integrative cancer management strategies.

Published in:Current Issues in Molecular Biology,
Study Type:Systematic Review,
Source: PMID: 41150756, DOI: 10.3390/cimb47100808