An evidence-based review of a Lentinula edodes mushroom extract as complementary therapy in the surgical oncology patient.

The purpose of this review is to present the currently published evidence regarding the use, efficacy, potential mechanisms of action, and results of published clinical trials regarding the use of a Lentinula edodes mushroom-derived extract (active hexose correlated compound) as complementary therapy in patients with cancer. The authors explore the current preclinical and clinical evidence as it relates to this topic and its potential use in the surgical oncology patient. There has been a growing interest in stimulation of the immune system in trauma, cancer, and surgical patients in general. Little, however, has been written about some-of the supplements in widely used in Japan and China, but relatively unheard of in the United States.