Effect of beta-glucan on immune response in lung cancer patients

Beta-glucan's Immuno-modulatory Effect on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

NA · University of Louisville · NCT00682032

This study tests if a dietary supplement called beta-glucan can help boost the immune system in people with non-small cell lung cancer.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Louisville (other)
Locations1 site (Louisville, Kentucky)
Trial IDNCT00682032 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of beta-glucan, a dietary supplement derived from baker's yeast, on the immune system of patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The research aims to determine whether beta-glucan can enhance the body's ability to fight cancer by stimulating white blood cells. Participants will include treatment-naive individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of NSCLC, and the study will assess the safety and efficacy of beta-glucan in this context.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer who have not received treatment within the last six months.

Not a fit: Patients currently undergoing immunosuppressive therapy or with uncontrolled intercurrent illnesses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new, non-invasive treatment option that enhances immune response in lung cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with beta-glucan in animal models, but this approach in humans is still being explored.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
AIM 2:

Inclusion Criteria:

* suspected or definitive diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
* treatment naive or no treatment within 6 months prior to enrollment
* able to swallow pills
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 to 3
* absolute neutrophil count (ANC) at least 1500/microl
* able to understand and willing to sign a written informed consent document

Exclusion Criteria:

* history of hypersensitivity reactions attributed to beta-glucan
* currently receiving continuous corticosteroids or other ongoing immunosuppressive therapy
* presence of an uncontrolled intercurrent illness including but not limited to: ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements

AIM 3:

Inclusion Criteria:

* resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as determined by a thoracic surgeon
* treatment naive
* able to swallow pills
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 to 2
* must be an operative candidate
* absolute neutrophil count (ANC) at least 1500/microl
* able to understand and willing to sign a written informed consent document

Exclusion Criteria:

* history of hypersensitivity reactions attributed to beta-glucan
* currently receiving continuous corticosteroids or other ongoing immunosuppressive therapy
* presence of an uncontrolled intercurrent illness including but not limited to: ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements

Where this trial is running

Louisville, Kentucky

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Non Small Cell Lung Cancer, NSCLC

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.