PSK

Property	Information
Drug Name	PSK (Polysaccharide Krestin) and other polysaccharides
Overview	PSK (Polysaccharide Krestin) is an Over-the-Counter supplement derived from the Coriolus versicolor mushroom, primarily used in Japan to enhance immune function and as a potential adjunct to cancer treatments, particularly for stomach, colon, and non-small cell lung cancers. While generally considered safe with mild digestive upset as a common side effect, its efficacy shows promise in improving survival rates when combined with chemotherapy, although specific effects on gliomas remain less documented.
FDA Approval	No (Widely used in Japan as a standard cancer treatment component)
Used for	Over-the-Counter supplement for immune system enhancement and potential cancer treatment adjunct
Clinical Trial Phase	Various, mainly in Japan for cancers like stomach, colon, and non-small cell lung cancer
Clinical Trial Explanation	Not specified
Common Side Effects	Not extensively documented; generally considered safe with potential for mild digestive upset
OS without	Not specified
OS with	Studies suggest improved survival rates in various cancers when added to chemotherapy; specific glioma-related outcomes are less clear
PFS without	Not specified
PFS with	Evidence from colorectal cancer trials shows increased disease-free survival
Usefulness Rating	3
Usefulness Explanation	Not specified
Toxicity Level	1
Toxicity Explanation	PSK (Polysaccharide Krestin) and other polysaccharides are generally considered safe with a low risk of side effects. However, there may be mild digestive upset. Since it's used as an Over-the-Counter supplement, its toxicity is notably lower than many other cancer treatments. However, each individual's responses can vary, and this does not exclude the possibility of uncommon adverse reactions.

Notes: PSK, an extract from Coriolus versicolor mushroom, has shown efficacy in enhancing immune response and improving survival rates in cancer patients, particularly in Japan. Its effects include gamma-interferon and interleukin-2 production, increased T-cell activity, inhibition of tumor invasion enzymes, and angiogenesis. While its use in glioma treatment is less documented, PSK represents a promising adjunct to conventional cancer therapies. Other mushroom extracts like maitake, reishi, and shiitake also contain beneficial polysaccharides but lack the clinical evidence of PSK.

From Ben Williams Book: Not specified

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