PSK

Property	Information
Drug Name	PSK (Polysaccharide Krestin) and other polysaccharides
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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