Using Maitake mushrooms to support cancer treatment
Maitake for Integrative Cancer Care: An Open Label, Uncontrolled Trial in People on Systemic Cancer Therapy
This study is testing whether adding Maitake mushrooms to standard cancer treatments can help boost the immune system in adults undergoing therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 2 sites (Ottawa, Ontario and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06323473 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effects of Maitake mushrooms on immune function in adults undergoing systemic cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or CD4/6 inhibitors. Participants will receive Black Maitake Prothera alongside their conventional cancer therapies to assess any potential immunomodulatory benefits. The study aims to clarify the role of Maitake in integrative cancer care, particularly its effectiveness in enhancing the immune response during treatment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a confirmed cancer diagnosis who are currently receiving systemic cancer treatment in Ontario, Canada.
Not a fit: Patients with hematologic cancers, those who have taken mushroom supplements recently, or individuals with certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the immune response in cancer patients, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While some studies have explored the benefits of Maitake mushrooms, this specific approach in conjunction with systemic cancer therapies is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adults (≥18 years of age) 2. Confirmed cancer diagnosis through biopsy or radiologic imaging 3. Undergoing systemic treatment with either chemotherapy or CD4/6 inhibitors 4. Currently receiving cancer treatment in Ontario, Canada Exclusion Criteria: 1. Hematologic cancers 2. Previously received any mushroom supplement within 6 months prior to enrolment 3. Allergy to mushrooms or mushroom products 4. Diagnosis of diabetes 5. Currently taking hypoglycemic or anticoagulant medications 6. Currently receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors 7. Unable to attend in in-person visits in either Ottawa or Toronto 8. Any reason which, under the discretion of the Qualified Investigator or delegate, would preclude the patient from participating
Where this trial is running
Ottawa, Ontario and 1 other locations
- The Centre for Health Innovation — Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
- Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine - Integrative Cancer Centre — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Adrienne Junek, MD — Centre for Health Innovation
- Study coordinator: Mark Legacy
- Email: mlegacy@thechi.ca
- Phone: 613-792-1222
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.