Recent research by City of Hope has uncovered a promising new approach to combat prostate cancer: white button mushroom extract. This widely available food, usually seen in grocery stores, might have remarkable potential in slowing cancer progression. Scientists at this leading cancer research center have found that compounds in white button mushrooms may inhibit tumor growth, offering hope for men battling prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is a significant health concern among men, particularly with age. In 2024, it’s estimated that approximately 299,010 new cases will be diagnosed in the United States, accounting for about 14.9% of all new cancer cases in men. The average age at diagnosis is around 66 years, with the disease being rare in men under 40 but becoming more common after age 50.
While early-stage prostate cancer is often treatable, advanced cases can spread to bones and other organs, complicating management. Standard treatments such as surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy have improved outcomes but may come with side effects. With this new discovery, City of Hope’s scientists aim to add a natural supplement to this list of options, offering patients a potentially safer and less invasive way to help slow the disease.
Key Takeaways
City of Hope research on white button mushroom extract has uncovered a promising new approach to combat prostate cancer by slowing tumor growth and enhancing immune response.
- White button mushrooms may inhibit tumor growth by suppressing the androgen receptor, a protein that promotes prostate cancer cell growth.
- The extract from these mushrooms can help slow down tumor growth and potentially improve patients’ survival rates, according to recent studies conducted at City of Hope.
- A phase 2 clinical trial is underway to test the supplement’s effectiveness in men with prostate cancer, with encouraging results showing stabilized or reduced PSA levels without significant side effects.
How white button mushrooms might fight cancer
White button mushrooms are a common food, known for their mild flavor and nutritional benefits. Yet, what’s lesser known is their unique impact on cancer cells. Studies show that extracts from these mushrooms can suppress the androgen receptor, a protein that promotes the growth of prostate cancer cells. The findings suggest that mushroom compounds can help slow down tumor growth and potentially improve patients’ survival rates.
In recent studies conducted at City of Hope and published in Clinical and Translational Medicine, researchers have observed that this extract not only reduced tumor sizes in mice but also improved immune responses. These promising results have paved the way for further clinical trials with humans.
Phase 2 clinical trial
Building on the success of their preclinical studies, City of Hope launched a phase 2 clinical trial to test the supplement’s effectiveness in men with prostate cancer. In this study, patients consumed white button mushroom extract as part of their regimen. Researchers monitored their blood samples, checking for changes in markers like prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a key indicator of prostate cancer progression.
Results from early trials have been encouraging. Participants experienced stabilized or reduced PSA levels without significant side effects. These findings suggest that white button mushroom extract could serve as a beneficial addition to standard treatment, providing a more natural way to keep cancer in check.
How the supplement boosts the immune system
A major breakthrough from City of Hope’s research lies in the mushroom’s impact on immune cells, specifically T cells. T cells are a vital part of the immune system, responsible for recognizing and attacking abnormal cells, including cancer cells. White button mushroom extract appears to reduce the presence of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which can weaken immune responses. By lowering MDSCs, the mushroom extract may enable the body’s immune system to better target cancer cells.
This improved immune response is crucial since it shows that the mushroom might help traditional treatments by strengthening the body’s natural ability to fight the disease. Researchers are optimistic that this immune boost could help slow disease progression and provide a more balanced approach to cancer care.
Integrative cancer care
City of Hope champions a whole-person approach to cancer treatment, combining advanced medical treatments with supportive, natural therapies. This approach, known as integrative oncology, aims to treat not just the disease but the entire person, focusing on physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors.
The Cherng Family Center for Integrative Oncology, made possible by a $100 million donation from Panda Express Co-CEOs Andrew and Peggy Cherng, is leading this mission. This center integrates natural therapies, like white button mushroom extract, into traditional cancer treatments, providing patients with a more comprehensive care plan. The hope is to make treatments not only effective but also gentler on the body.
Professional guidance
While the potential of white button mushroom extract is exciting, healthcare professionals advise caution. Supplements are not a substitute for prescribed treatments, and adding any supplement to one’s routine should be done under medical supervision.
Our study emphasizes the importance of seeking professional guidance to ensure safety and to avoid self-prescribing supplements without consulting a health care provider
Xiaoqiang Wang
Dr. Xiaoqiang Wang, a lead researcher at City of Hope, emphasizes the importance of consulting a healthcare provider before using mushroom extract or any other natural therapy. Self-prescribing without expert guidance could interfere with existing treatments or lead to unexpected side effects.
Patients interested in participating in City of Hope’s clinical trials can check eligibility and application details on their website. This trial offers an opportunity for those who want to explore this natural therapy under close medical supervision.
Dietary choices and prostate cancer prevention
In addition to research on mushrooms, City of Hope is also investigating how other foods and supplements might contribute to cancer prevention. Research into foods like grape seed extract, pomegranate, blueberries, and Jamun berries (a purple berry with medicinal properties) is ongoing, with hopes of identifying additional natural options for cancer prevention.
For those looking to make dietary changes, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is recommended. These foods support overall health and may reduce cancer risk by promoting a strong immune system and lowering inflammation. Including white button mushrooms as part of a healthy diet could be a proactive way to support prostate health.
Why natural therapies matter
Integrating natural options like mushroom extract into cancer care aligns with an increasing preference for holistic treatment approaches. Patients are seeking therapies that address not only the disease but also their lifestyle, comfort, and well-being. City of Hope’s work in this area underscores the importance of treating the whole person rather than focusing solely on symptoms. Natural therapies provide an additional layer of support, enhancing conventional treatments and potentially improving patient outcomes.
City of Hope’s groundbreaking research on white button mushroom extract is still ongoing, and additional studies will be needed to confirm these early findings. However, the potential to slow cancer growth and enhance immune response offers new hope for patients and families facing prostate cancer. As the research progresses, there is optimism that this natural supplement will become a recognized option in managing prostate cancer alongside other established therapies.
The future of prostate cancer treatment
In the future, natural therapies like white button mushroom extract may become more common in cancer treatment plans. With continued support for research and innovation, integrative oncology could play an increasingly important role in cancer care, offering new, less invasive treatment options.
The discovery of white button mushroom extract’s potential benefits represents an exciting development in prostate cancer research. For patients, this could mean access to more effective, holistic treatment options that work with their body’s natural defenses. City of Hope’s commitment to advancing cancer research through innovative, patient-centered approaches is inspiring new ways to fight cancer and improve lives.
As this research unfolds, those interested in learning more or participating in clinical trials can stay updated by visiting City of Hope’s website. This promising study, combined with the broader efforts in integrative oncology, reflects a hopeful future where cancer treatment is not only effective but also compassionate and whole-person focused.
For now, patients should continue consulting their healthcare providers and make informed lifestyle choices that support their well-being, including balanced diets and potential natural supplements like white button mushrooms. With professional guidance, men facing prostate cancer can explore all available options in their journey toward health and healing.
