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Trametes Versicolor (Turkey Tail Mushrooms) and the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Summary

This case study examines how turkey tail mushrooms, a common woodland fungus, were used alongside conventional cancer treatment to help an elderly woman with advanced breast cancer. The mushrooms appear to work by boosting the immune system’s ability to fight cancer cells while making chemotherapy more effective. The patient remained cancer-free after three and a half years of combined treatment. Impacts on everyday life: • Demonstrates how natural supplements can complement conventional cancer treatments • Shows the potential of commonly found mushrooms in serious disease treatment • Highlights the importance of immune system support during cancer therapy • Offers hope for integrative approaches to cancer treatment • Suggests new possibilities for improving cancer therapy outcomes

Background

Turkey tail mushrooms grow in woodland environments worldwide and have been historically used in Asia as a nonspecific immune modulator. These bracket fungi form thin structures in concentric circles and can be found almost anywhere trees grow. They have been reported to stimulate immune function in women with breast cancer through interaction with CR3 membrane receptors for beta-glucans.

Objective

To document and analyze a case study of an 83-year-old woman with advanced metastatic inflammatory breast cancer who used turkey tail mushroom supplementation alongside conventional chemotherapy treatment.

Results

Three and a half years after beginning treatment, the 87-year-old patient was disease-free and leading an active life while continuing Herceptin treatments every 3 weeks and daily mushroom supplementation. A referenced phase 1 trial found that up to 9g/day of T. versicolor was safe and tolerable in breast cancer patients post-chemotherapy, with 6g appearing to lead to faster immune recovery after radiotherapy.

Conclusion

The documented immune modulation activity of turkey tail mushrooms may enhance the immune system’s ability to detect tumors, potentially increasing chemotherapy effectiveness. This case supports research showing medicinal mushrooms can act as modulators of molecular targets in cancer treatment.
  • Published in:Global Advances in Health and Medicine,
  • Study Type:Case Study,
  • Source: 10.7453/gahmj.2012.1.5.007
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