IMMUNOMODULATORY EFFECTS OF EDIBLE MUSHROOMS AS A SOURCE OF NOVEL BIOMARKERS FOR EARLY CANCER DETECTION: A CLINICAL APPROACH

Cancer remains a major global health challenge, with early detection being crucial for improving survival and treatment outcomes. Edible mushrooms have gained attention as a source of immunomodulatory compounds—including β-glucans, polysaccharopeptides, lectins, triterpenoids, and phenolic compounds—that enhance innate and adaptive immunity, increase natural killer (NK) cell activity, and modulate cytokine production, thereby improving tumor surveillance and anti-cancer responses. Both preclinical and clinical studies suggest that these immune effects can be measured as biomarkers, offering a novel approach for early cancer detection and monitoring therapeutic responses. Human trials using extracts such as lentinan, PSK, Maitake D-fraction, and Ganoderma formulations demonstrate enhanced immune function, improved quality-of-life outcomes, and potential adjunctive benefits in cancer care. However, variability in mushroom species, extract composition, dosing, and study design underscores the need for standardized protocols. Further research, including large-scale, multicenter clinical trials and multi-omics biomarker profiling, is essential to validate efficacy, optimize dosing, and integrate mushroom-derived immunomodulators into precision oncology strategies for early detection and improved patient outcomes.