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Immune system

Lentinan, explained simply

A shiitake-mushroom extract approved in Japan as an add-on cancer therapy for its immune-activating effects.

Some human studiesIV infusion (clinical settings)11 cited sourcesResearch compound — not FDA approved

Start here

What is Lentinan?

Lentinan is a complex sugar (a beta-glucan) extracted from shiitake mushrooms. Given by intravenous infusion, it is approved in Japan for use alongside chemotherapy in cancer care — it does not attack tumors directly but activates the body's own immune cells against them. In the US it is a research compound and is not FDA-approved.

How it works in your body

Lentinan does not attack cancer cells or germs directly. It is a complex sugar from shiitake mushrooms that immune cells recognize when it attaches to sensors on their surface. That contact works like an alarm: scavenger cells called macrophages get more aggressive about engulfing threats, natural killer cells become more lethal to tumor cells, and the immune system makes more of the messenger chemicals that coordinate an attack 2.

The deeper mechanism, for the curious

Lentinan is a long sugar chain (a linear β-1,3-glucan with β-1,6 side branches). It binds mainly to complement receptor 3 (CR3) on macrophages and dendritic cells (immune cells that swallow germs and show germ fragments to other immune cells). It also binds dectin-1 (a receptor for beta-glucans, sugars found in fungi) on first-line immune cells. This binding turns on Syk tyrosine kinase (a signaling enzyme) and then the NF-κB and MAPK/ERK pathways (internal signaling routes that switch immune genes on). 9 Lentinan helps macrophages show antigens (germ or tumor fragments) to other immune cells by raising MHC-II (a display protein) and IL-12 (an immune signal). It activates T cells and makes them multiply by boosting IL-2 and IL-2 receptor signaling (a growth signal for T cells), helping both CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (killer T cells) and CD4+ helper T cells (T cells that direct other immune cells) to increase. Lentinan also activates natural killer (NK) cells and increases their release of cytotoxic granules (packets that kill tumor cells). 4 Inside tumors, lentinan shifts macrophages from the M2 type (which helps tumors grow) to the M1 type (which fights tumors) through TLR4/NF-κB signaling (a germ-sensing pathway). The sugar also raises production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ), two immune signals, by both fast and targeted immune cells, creating a lasting immune attack on the tumor 2.

Evidence check

Some human studies

It has been tested in people, but only in small or early-stage studies. Promising, but not yet proven the way an approved medicine is.

Every numbered marker on this page links to one of the 11 sources at the bottom.

95/100

Immune

Lentinan is one of the most extensively studied biological response modifiers, with over 50 years of research demonstrating potent activation of T-cells, NK cells, and macrophages through a thymus-dependent immune mechanism. Approved as an adjuvant cancer immunotherapy in Japan since 1985.

70/100

Healing & Recovery

When combined with chemotherapy, lentinan significantly improves patient quality of life scores including appetite and sleep quality, while reducing chemotherapy side effects and enabling treatment continuity.

40/100

Anti-Aging

Lentinan's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, combined with its immune-enhancing effects, may contribute to healthy aging through improved immune surveillance and reduced chronic inflammation.

What the research points to

  • Switches on both the fast, general immune defenses and the targeted immune response against tumors
  • Helps people with advanced stomach cancer live longer when added to chemotherapy
  • Boosts natural killer cells and macrophages (immune cells that destroy abnormal cells and swallow germs)
  • Improves quality of life during cancer treatment
  • Lessens the side effects of chemotherapy given at the same time
  • Shows anti-inflammatory and antioxidant (protects cells from damage by unstable molecules) effects

The most-asked question

How much Lentinan do I take?

The research-reported range is 2 mg, once weekly. Studies used different doses for different situations — find yours:

  1. Adjunct to chemotherapy, Gastric cancer support

    1 mg per dose

    • How often
      Twice weekly
    • For how long
      Continued alongside chemotherapy cycles
    • How
      Injection into a vein (IV)

    Established clinical regimen in Japan (approved 1985 as a biological response modifier for gastric cancer): 1 mg IV twice weekly combined with chemotherapy such as tegafur or 5-FU 16.

  2. Adjunct to chemotherapy, Immune modulation

    2 mg per dose

    • How often
      Once weekly (some protocols every 2-3 weeks)
    • For how long
      Continued alongside chemotherapy cycles
    • How
      Injection into a vein (IV)

    Alternative approved IV schedule: 2 mg once weekly; more recent protocols give 2 mg every 2-3 weeks. Used as an immunomodulatory adjunct to S-1/tegafur-based chemotherapy in advanced/recurrent gastric cancer 16.

Adjusting your dose

You're at the right dose if…

  • Noticeable improvement in target symptoms
  • Good tolerance with minimal side effects
  • Consistent positive response between doses
  • Improved lab markers or clinical assessments (if applicable)

Consider going up if…

  • Initial doses are well-tolerated and oncologist recommends escalation
  • Immune response markers indicate room for further activation
  • Higher doses are part of the specific clinical protocol being followed

Go down if…

  • You experience infusion reactions such as fever, chills, or chest tightness
  • Blood counts show granulocytopenia or other concerning changes
  • Liver enzymes become elevated during treatment
  • Your oncologist determines a lower dose is appropriate based on clinical response

The ceiling: 10 mg once weekly (do not exceed without medical supervision) 7

Reconstitution, in plain words

How do I mix Lentinan?

Peptides usually arrive as a freeze-dried powder in a small vial. “Reconstitution” just means adding sterile water back in so you can measure a dose. Here's how it works for Lentinan:

What you need

  • Lentinan vial (lyophilized powder or solution)
  • Bacteriostatic water or sterile sodium chloride for reconstitution
  • Alcohol swabs for cleaning vial tops and injection sites
  • Appropriately sized syringes with fine-gauge needles (27-30 gauge)
  • Sharps disposal container

A worked example

Add the recommended volume of bacteriostatic water to the Lentinan vial. Gently swirl (do not shake) until the powder is fully dissolved. The resulting solution should be clear. Calculate your individual dose based on the concentration and your prescribed amount.

Working out your dose

Your dose of Lentinan is determined by your healthcare provider. Using an insulin syringe marked in units, draw up the exact amount prescribed. For example, if the reconstituted concentration is 1mg/mL and your dose is 0.5mg, draw up 0.5mL (50 units on an insulin syringe). Always double-check calculations before injection.

Or let the calculator do it

Three quick questions — your vial, your water, your dose — and it tells you the exact syringe mark. “Find dose amount” is preloaded with Lentinan's recorded schedule.

LentinanTwice weekly

How much peptide is in your bottle?

Look at the label on the vial. It’s the number next to the unit — like "5 mg". Labeled in IU? Switch the unit to IU.

Type a number to continue.
0

Timing

When do I take Lentinan?

Best time of day

Lentinan is administered intravenously in a clinical setting. Timing is determined by your healthcare provider based on the treatment protocol and your medical needs.

With or without food?

IV administration of Lentinan is not dependent on meal timing. Your healthcare team will provide specific instructions regarding food and fluid intake around treatment sessions.

Taking it with other peptides

Lentinan should be used as directed by your healthcare provider. If combining with other medications or supplements, discuss potential interactions with your provider. Avoid combining with compounds that have overlapping mechanisms unless specifically guided by a medical professional.

The honest list

What side effects could Lentinan cause?

Common — usually mild

These show up most often. They usually fade as your body adjusts.

  • Fever and chills

    Mild fever and chills may occur during or shortly after IV infusion as part of the immune activation response. This is the most common side effect and reflects lentinan's biological activity 7.

    What to do Usually self-resolving within 24 hours. Slow the infusion rate if symptoms occur during administration. Antipyretics may be used for comfort.

  • Discomfort where the IV drip goes in (infusion site)

    Local discomfort, warmth, or mild pain at the IV infusion site is relatively common and typically resolves after the infusion is complete.

    What to do Ensure proper IV line placement. Apply warm compress after infusion if needed. Report persistent pain or swelling to healthcare provider.

  • Transient fatigue

    Mild tiredness or lethargy may occur in the hours or day following infusion, particularly during the first few treatments as the immune system responds to lentinan.

    What to do Rest as needed. Fatigue typically diminishes with subsequent treatments. Schedule infusions when rest is possible afterward.

  • Nausea

    Mild nausea may occur during or after infusion. Often difficult to distinguish from chemotherapy-related nausea in cancer patients receiving combination therapy.

    What to do Anti-emetics may be used as needed. Taking light meals before infusion may help. Report persistent nausea to your healthcare provider.

Less common

Worth knowing about, but most people never see these.

Serious — stop and get medical help

Rare, but if any of these happen, stop and contact a medical professional.

  • Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

    Rare but serious anaphylactic reactions (severe whole-body allergic reactions) have been reported, particularly with rapid IV infusion. Symptoms include trouble breathing, low blood pressure, hives, and angioedema (swelling under the skin, often of the face or throat) 7.

    What to do Emergency medical treatment required — epinephrine, antihistamines, corticosteroids. This is why lentinan must always be administered by slow IV drip in a clinical setting with emergency equipment available.

  • Severe allergic reaction / Anaphylaxis

    Although rare, anaphylactic reactions (severe whole-body allergic reactions) can occur in people allergic to lentinan or fungal beta-glucans, with angioedema (swelling under the skin, often of the face or throat), bronchospasm (airway tightening), shortness of breath, or collapse of heart and circulation.

    What to do Discontinue immediately. Administer epinephrine IM (0.3-0.5 mg of 1:1000 solution). Provide airway support and IV antihistamines/corticosteroids. Transfer to emergency care. Have emergency equipment available.

Week by week

What should I expect from Lentinan, and when?

  1. Week 1-2

    You might notice
    • Initial immune activation responses (mild fever, chills possible after infusion)
    • No visible antitumor effects yet — immune priming is occurring
    • Possible mild fatigue as the immune system responds to treatment
    What's normal
    • Mild flu-like symptoms after first few infusions are normal immune activation signs
    • No immediate visible changes in tumor status — this is expected
    • Side effects from concurrent chemotherapy may begin to feel slightly more manageable
    What's next
    • Continue weekly infusion schedule as prescribed
    • Blood tests may be ordered to assess immune cell activation markers
    • Report any unusual reactions to your oncology team

  2. Week 2-6

    You might notice
    • Improved appetite and sleep quality (documented in clinical trials)
    • Enhanced energy levels compared to chemotherapy alone
    • Blood work may show increased NK cell and T-cell activity
    • Potential improvement in overall quality of life scores
    What's normal
    • Quality of life improvements develop gradually over weeks
    • Immune parameters begin shifting toward better antitumor surveillance
    • Infusion-related side effects often diminish with continued treatment
    What's next
    • Continue treatment as part of the ongoing chemotherapy regimen
    • Your oncologist will monitor tumor response at scheduled intervals
    • Quality of life assessment may be repeated to track improvement

  3. Week 6-12+

    You might notice
    • Sustained improvement in quality of life and overall well-being
    • Potential tumor response visible on imaging (in combination with chemotherapy)
    • Better tolerance of ongoing chemotherapy cycles
    • Stronger immune function as measured by laboratory tests
    What's normal
    • Benefits are cumulative and most meaningful over months of treatment
    • Lentinan works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan with chemotherapy
    • Some patients experience sustained immune benefits after completing treatment
    What's next
    • Your oncologist will determine the optimal duration based on tumor response
    • Treatment may continue for multiple chemotherapy cycles
    • Long-term immune monitoring may be recommended

How to tell it's actually working

Treatment Response

  • Improvement in the primary symptoms or condition being treated
  • Positive changes in relevant lab values or clinical markers
  • Consistent, stable response to Lentinan over time
  • Reduction in symptom frequency or severity

General Well-being

  • Improved energy levels and daily functioning
  • Better quality of life related to the treated condition
  • Manageable or absent side effects indicating good tolerance
  • Positive feedback from healthcare provider during check-ups

Not seeing anything? The usual reasons

  • Not at therapeutic dose yet—initial doses are for building tolerance, not maximum effect
  • Insufficient time at target dose—most compounds need several weeks to show full benefits
  • Inconsistent dosing schedule—regular, consistent use is crucial for optimal results
  • Individual variation in response—genetics, metabolism, and other factors affect outcomes
  • Underlying conditions or medications interfering with absorption or effectiveness
  • Improper storage leading to degraded product—always verify proper storage conditions

Is it right for you?

Who should avoid Lentinan?

Do not use it if…

  • You have a known allergy to shiitake mushrooms or β-glucan polysaccharides
  • You have a history of anaphylactic reactions to biological response modifiers
  • You are on immunosuppressive therapy where immune activation is specifically contraindicated
  • You have an active autoimmune condition in flare that could worsen with immune stimulation

Be extra careful if…

  • You are receiving immunosuppressant medications — lentinan's immune activation may counteract their effects
  • You have a history of severe allergic reactions to any substance — increased monitoring during infusion is essential
  • You have liver disease — elevated liver enzymes have been reported rarely
  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding — insufficient safety data for these populations

When to stop

  • Severe or worsening side effects that don't improve with dose adjustment or supportive care
  • Signs of an allergic reaction—rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing
  • Your healthcare provider recommends discontinuation based on your clinical response
  • Development of any new medical condition that may be contraindicated with Lentinan
  • Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant (unless specifically approved for use during pregnancy)
  • Abnormal lab results or clinical markers that suggest adverse effects

Lentinan should only be started, adjusted, or discontinued under medical supervision. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Never stop a prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abrupt discontinuation may have consequences.

What it mixes badly (and well) with

Medications

  • OK together
    Chemotherapy drugs (cisplatin, tegafur, 5-FU)

    Lentinan is designed to be used with chemotherapy. Clinical trials show better results and better quality of life when combined. This is the intended clinical use.

  • Avoid
    Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus)

    Lentinan strongly activates the immune system, which may work against the immune suppression these drugs are meant to give. Avoid using them together unless a physician specifically directs it.

  • OK together
    Antiretroviral therapy (HIV)

    Clinical trials have combined lentinan with didanosine (ddI), an HIV drug. The combination was generally tolerated, but fast IV infusion (a drip into a vein) caused adverse effects. Use under close medical supervision.

  • Check first
    Anticoagulants

    Some beta-glucans (sugars from fungi and grains) may mildly thin the blood. This is not specifically documented for lentinan, but take caution with blood-thinning medicines.

Other peptides

  • OK together
    Thymosin Alpha-1

    Both boost immune function in different ways. Together they may give a stronger immune attack on tumors. Used together in some Asian cancer-care protocols.

  • Check first
    Imunofan

    The two work in complementary ways: Imunofan provides antioxidant protection (shields cells from damage by unstable molecules) and immune adjustment, while lentinan activates the body's first-line immune defense through beta-glucan receptors (docking sites for fungal sugars). It may reduce chemotherapy toxicity when used alongside lentinan-chemotherapy regimens.

  • OK together
    BPC-157

    No known interactions. BPC-157 focuses on tissue healing while lentinan targets immune activation. It could potentially support recovery from treatment side effects.

Supplements

  • OK together
    Vitamin D

    Vitamin D supports immune function and may add to lentinan's immune-adjusting effects. Safe to combine.

  • OK together
    Other mushroom extracts (reishi, turkey tail)

    Several mushroom-derived beta-glucans (sugars from mushrooms) together may add to the immune effects. While generally safe, too much immune stimulation is theoretically possible. Use under healthcare provider guidance.

  • OK together
    Selenium

    Selenium supports the body's antioxidant defenses and may add to lentinan's anticancer effects. No known negative interactions.

  • OK together
    Green tea extract (EGCG)

    Both have shown anticancer properties through different mechanisms (ways of working). They may offer complementary benefits. No known negative interactions.

Who it tends to suit

Advanced Stomach (Gastric) Cancer

Lentinan's primary and best-studied indication is as an adjuvant to chemotherapy for unresectable and recurrent gastric cancer. A multi-institutional randomized trial demonstrated significantly extended survival (297 vs 199 days median) and dramatically improved one-year survival rates (49.1% vs 0%) 1.

Add-on Treatment for Lung Cancer

A 12-year review of clinical studies in China demonstrated that lentinan combined with chemotherapy improves outcomes in lung cancer patients, 9 with a meta-analysis confirming increased chemotherapy efficacy and improved quality of life 10.

Cancer Patients Needing Quality of Life Support

Clinical trials consistently show lentinan improves patient quality of life during cancer treatment, particularly appetite and sleep quality, while reducing the toxic side effects of chemotherapy and enabling treatment continuity 110.

Patients With Weakened Immune Systems

Phase 1/2 clinical trials in HIV-positive patients have explored lentinan's ability to enhance immune function when combined with antiretroviral therapy, though this application remains investigational 78.

The safety picture overall

Lentinan is a beta-1,3-glucan polysaccharide (a long sugar chain, not a true peptide) extracted from shiitake mushroom, with a 40-year safety record in Japanese and Asian cancer care. Given by injection or infusion (parenterally), lentinan is very well tolerated as an immune booster (adjuvant) 7 with minimal body-wide toxicity; liver and kidney toxicity are essentially absent in clinical use. Fever and local reactions at injection sites (5-15% of patients) are the documented side effects. It works through pattern recognition receptors (Dectin-1, TLR-2, immune sensors that detect fungal sugars) to boost NK cell and macrophage function (two kinds of immune cells) without triggering autoimmunity 2.

Lentinan safety is established through decades of post-market surveillance in Japan where it is approved as an immune-modulating agent combined with chemotherapy in cancer treatment. 2 Multiple randomized controlled trials in Anticancer Drugs and Journal of Interferon & Cytokine (an immune signaling molecule) Research document safety and tolerability in immunocompromised and healthy populations. FDA has not approved lentinan in the US, but extensive clinical experience in Asia supports its use as an immunological adjuvant with favorable safety-to-efficacy ratio.

Keeping it good

How do I store Lentinan?

Before mixing (powder)

Store Lentinan in the refrigerator at 36-46°F (2-8°C) in its original packaging. Protect from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Check the expiration date before use. Some formulations may be stored at room temperature for limited periods—check your specific product labeling.

After mixing (liquid)

Once reconstituted, Lentinan should be kept refrigerated at 36-46°F (2-8°C) and used within the timeframe specified on your product labeling (typically 14-28 days). Label the vial with the reconstitution date. Do not use if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.

Signs it has gone bad

  • Solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles (should be clear)
  • Product has been exposed to temperatures outside the recommended storage range
  • Product has been frozen (unless specifically designed for freeze-thaw stability)
  • Expiration date has passed or reconstituted solution has exceeded its use-by date
  • Unusual odor, color change, or visible contamination

Not our opinion — the published record

What the studies actually found about Lentinan

1999

A multi-institutional prospective study of lentinan in advanced gastric cancer patients with unresectable and recurrent diseases

Advanced stomach cancer patients getting lentinan with chemo lived 50% longer than those getting chemo alone—nearly 300 days versus 200 days. Remarkably, nearly half the lentinan group survived the full year while literally none of the control group did, plus their appetite and sleep improved dramatically.

Nakano H, Namatame K, Nemoto H (Kanagawa Lentinan Research Group)

2024

Lentinan progress in inflammatory diseases and tumor diseases

This mushroom extract is officially approved in both China and Japan as an add-on to cancer chemo. Real clinical evidence shows lentinan doesn't just help patients live longer—it also supercharges their immune system to attack cancer while protecting them from the brutal side effects of chemotherapy drugs.

Zhou G, Liu H, Yuan Y

2002

Medicinal mushrooms as a source of antitumor and immunomodulating polysaccharides

Scientists studied polysaccharides (long sugar chains) from over 650 mushroom species and found that lentinan is one of the most clinically proven cancer-fighters. The secret is its special structure: a sugar chain with specific branches that let immune T-cells recognize and attack tumors without destroying healthy tissue.

Wasser SP

2021

Mushrooms and immunity

A comprehensive review of multiple studies found that lentinan boosts the cancer-killing power of chemotherapy specifically in lung cancer patients and dramatically improves how they feel. The mushroom sugar works by waking up immune cells (macrophages that swallow germs, T-cells, and NK, or natural killer, cells) to destroy cancer more effectively.

Motta F, Gershwin ME, Selmi C

2024

Lentinan: Uses, Benefits and Dosage

For gastrointestinal cancer (cancer of the stomach and gut), lentinan is given through a vein (intravenously) at 1 mg/person twice weekly or 2 mg/person once weekly in combination with chemotherapy. It was approved in Japan in 1985 as a biological response modifier (a drug that adjusts the immune system) for gastric (stomach) cancer.

Drugs.com / Natural Products Database

1998

A placebo-controlled trial of the immune modulator, lentinan, in HIV-positive patients: a phase I/II trial

Two placebo-controlled phase I/II trials in 98 HIV-positive patients: 2, 5 or 10 mg through a vein (IV) once weekly for 8 weeks, or 1 or 5 mg IV twice weekly for 12 weeks. With 10-minute infusions there were nine FDA-reportable adverse events (reportable side effects): one case each of anaphylactoid reaction (a severe allergy-like reaction), back pain, leg pain, depression, rigor (shaking chills), fever, chills, granulocytopenia (low white blood cell count) and elevated liver enzymes. With 30-minute infusions there were none. Side effects were mainly mild and went away within 24 hours of stopping. This confirmed in Caucasian subjects the tolerability seen in Japanese cancer patients.

Gordon M, Bihari B, Goosby E, et al.

2019

Mushroom polysaccharide lentinan for treating different types of cancers: A review of 12 years clinical studies in China

Systematic review (a structured review of many studies) of 9,474 lentinan-associated cancer treatment cases from 135 Chinese studies (2004-2016), including 3,469 lung cancer cases. Overall clinical data show a solid effect on improving quality of life and boosting the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It notes immune cell activation through TLR4/Dectin1-MAPK and Syk-PKC-NFκB signaling (internal signaling routes that switch on immune cells) and approval as an add-on therapy in both China and Japan.

Zhang M, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Tian Q

If this isn't the right fit

What people use instead of Lentinan

Mushroom-derived immune support

  • PSK / Krestin (from Trametes versicolor / turkey tail mushroom)
  • Schizophyllan (from Schizophyllum commune)
  • Maitake D-fraction (from Grifola frondosa)

Cancer adjuvant immunotherapy

  • Thymosin Alpha-1 (peptide-based immune enhancer for cancer)
  • Bestatin / Ubenimex (aminopeptidase inhibitor with antitumor immune effects)
  • Imunofan (hexapeptide for chemo/radiation side effect reduction)

General immune enhancement (non-IV options)

  • Pidotimod (oral synthetic dipeptide immunomodulator)
  • Beta-glucan oral supplements (various sources)
  • Shiitake mushroom whole extract capsules

Your questions

Lentinan FAQ

Is lentinan a peptide?

No, lentinan is not a peptide. It is a high-molecular-weight β-1,3-glucan polysaccharide with β-1,6 branching, isolated from the shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes). 3 With a molecular weight of approximately 500,000 Da, it is a complex carbohydrate polymer. It is included in this database because of its significant role as a biological response modifier in immune-oncology and its clinical importance alongside peptide-based immunomodulators.

Where is lentinan approved for clinical use?

Lentinan was approved in Japan in 1985 as an adjuvant biological response modifier for the treatment of gastric cancer. 11 It has also been approved in China for similar oncological applications. 2 It is not approved by the FDA in the United States or by the EMA in Europe, though clinical trials have been conducted in these regions. In Japan and China, it is used as part of standard oncology protocols for gastric, lung, and colorectal cancer.

Can I just eat shiitake mushrooms instead?

While shiitake mushrooms do contain lentinan, eating whole mushrooms or taking oral extracts provides much lower and less predictable lentinan delivery compared to the purified IV formulation used in clinical trials. Oral bioavailability (how much actually gets absorbed and used) of intact high-molecular-weight lentinan is limited. Dietary shiitake consumption may provide general health and immune benefits, but should not be considered equivalent to clinical IV lentinan therapy for cancer treatment.

Why must lentinan be given slowly by IV?

Rapid IV infusion of lentinan (under 10 minutes) has been associated with serious adverse events including anaphylaxis and granulocytopenia. 7 The slow drip infusion over 30-60 minutes allows the body to process the large polysaccharide molecules gradually, minimizing the risk of acute immune overactivation and allergic responses. This is why lentinan must always be administered in a clinical setting with trained personnel and emergency equipment available.

How does lentinan compare to other mushroom-based cancer treatments?

Lentinan (from shiitake), PSK/Krestin (from turkey tail), and schizophyllan (from Schizophyllum commune) are the three most clinically studied mushroom polysaccharides. All are β-glucans that activate immune responses. Lentinan is primarily used for gastric cancer, PSK is widely used in Japan for colorectal and gastric cancer, and schizophyllan has been studied for cervical cancer. Each has slightly different structural features that may influence their specific immune-activating profiles 3.

Can lentinan be used alongside conventional chemotherapy?

Yes — this is specifically how lentinan is intended to be used. Clinical trials demonstrate that lentinan combined with chemotherapy (such as tegafur plus cisplatin) 1 provides significantly better outcomes than chemotherapy alone, including longer survival, higher one-year survival rates, improved quality of life, and reduced chemotherapy side effects. 10 Lentinan should never replace chemotherapy but rather complement it as an adjuvant.

What are the risks of lentinan treatment?

Lentinan is generally well-tolerated when administered by slow IV infusion. Common side effects include mild fever, chills, and fatigue as part of the normal immune activation response. Rare but serious risks include anaphylaxis (primarily with rapid infusion), granulocytopenia, and elevated liver enzymes. 7 Treatment should always be administered in a clinical setting where these risks can be managed, and patients should be monitored for at least 30 minutes after each infusion.

11 sources

References

Every numbered marker on this page points to one of these. Same sources, same numbering as the Lentinan research profile on Peptide Initiative.

  1. A multi-institutional prospective study of lentinan in advanced gastric cancer patients with unresectable and recurrent diseasesNakano H, Namatame K, Nemoto H (Kanagawa Lentinan Research Group) · 1999
  2. Lentinan progress in inflammatory diseases and tumor diseasesZhou G, Liu H, Yuan Y · 2024
  3. Medicinal mushrooms as a source of antitumor and immunomodulating polysaccharidesWasser SP · 2002
  4. Mushrooms and immunityMotta F, Gershwin ME, Selmi C · 2021
  5. Lentinan inhibited colon cancer growth by inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated autophagic cell death and apoptosisZhang Y, Liu Y, Zhou Y · 2021
  6. Lentinan: Uses, Benefits and DosageDrugs.com / Natural Products Database · 2024
  7. A placebo-controlled trial of the immune modulator, lentinan, in HIV-positive patients: a phase I/II trialGordon M, Bihari B, Goosby E, et al. · 1998
  8. A phase II controlled study of a combination of the immune modulator, lentinan, with didanosine (ddI) in HIV patients with CD4 cells of 200-500/mm3Gordon M, Guralnik M, Kaneko Y, et al. · 1995
  9. Mushroom polysaccharide lentinan for treating different types of cancers: A review of 12 years clinical studies in ChinaZhang M, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Tian Q · 2019
  10. Efficacy of biological response modifier lentinan with chemotherapy for advanced cancer: a meta-analysisWang H, Cai Y, Zheng Y, Bai Q, Xie D, Yu J · 2017
  11. The use of lentinan for treating gastric cancerIna K, Kataoka T, Ando T · 2013

Want the deep science?

Read the full Lentinan research profile

Every claim on this page traces back to the research database behind Peptide Initiative — studies, citations, clinical trial data, and the technical detail we deliberately left out here.

Open the research profile

More immune system guides

This guide is education, not medical advice. Lentinan is a research compound that is not FDA-approved for human use. Talk to a clinician before taking anything.