Mushroom Extracts Could Increase 5‐Year Survival in Advanced Colorectal Cancer—What the 2025 Preprint Shows
TLDR
A 2025 preprint reports that adding polysaccharopeptide‑rich extracts from Trametes versicolor and Ganoderma lucidum to standard chemotherapy may raise 5‑year survival by about 10 % in colorectal cancer patients, though the evidence comes from observational studies and not from trials in unresectable disease with both liver and peritoneal metastases. The authors call for prospective trials to confirm whether these extracts truly aid conversion therapy.
Mushroom Extracts Could Increase 5‑Year Survival in Advanced Colorectal Cancer
The Core Finding
A recent preprint (Sánchez‑Cobos, 2025) proposes that medicinal mushroom extracts could act as an adjunct to conversion therapy for colorectal cancer (CRC) that has spread to the liver and peritoneum. The authors performed a meta‑analysis of 2,397 patients and found a 10 % relative increase in 5‑year survival (risk ratio = 1.10, 95 % CI 1.04–1.15) when mushroom extracts were combined with chemotherapy. Larger meta‑analyses of over 8,000 patients also reported improved survival and tolerability, mainly in postoperative settings.
What the Study Says (ROSE)
R – Research
The preprint draws on observational data and clinical trials that examined polysaccharopeptides (PSK, PSP) from Trametes versicolor and bioactive compounds from Ganoderma lucidum in various cancers. The authors note that these extracts have been shown in preclinical models to inhibit multidrug resistance, block immune checkpoints (PD‑1/PD‑L1), and modulate key oncogenic pathways (PI3K/AKT, MAPK, NF‑κB).
O – Outcome
In the meta‑analysis, the pooled risk ratio of 1.10 indicates a 10 % higher probability of surviving five years when the extracts were added to chemotherapy, compared with chemotherapy alone. Confidence intervals (1.04–1.15) suggest a statistically significant association.
S – Strength
Evidence grade A reflects the meta‑analytic nature of the data, giving strong support for an association between mushroom extracts and better survival in broad cancer populations. However, the studies included were largely postoperative or observational, and none directly examined unresectable CRC with both liver and peritoneal metastases.
E – Explain
In plain English, the data suggest that mushroom extracts might help chemotherapy work better and could increase the chances that patients become eligible for surgery. The evidence does not, however, confirm that adding these extracts will improve outcomes for patients with unresectable disease involving both liver and peritoneal metastases, nor does it replace standard treatments.
Wow moment: The pooled risk ratio of 1.10 remained consistent across subgroups of age, sex, and tumor stage, indicating that the potential benefit is not limited to a single patient profile.
What It Does NOT Prove
- That mushroom extracts directly improve survival in unresectable colorectal cancer with dual metastases.
- That adding these extracts replaces or reduces the need for standard chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or surgery.
- That the observed survival benefit is causal; the studies are observational and may be subject to confounding factors.
Evidence at a Glance
| Evidence Grade | Risk Level | Confidence (plain‑English) |
|---|---|---|
| A | Medium | The meta‑analysis shows a statistically significant association, but the evidence comes from observational and postoperative studies, not randomized trials in the specific patient population of interest. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are PSK and PSP?
PSK (polysaccharide K) and PSP (polysaccharide peptide) are bioactive compounds extracted from the mushroom Trametes versicolor. They have been studied for their immune‑modulating and anti‑cancer properties.
2. Can I start taking mushroom extracts on my own?
The preprint does not provide dosing recommendations or safety data for self‑administration. Clinical use should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.
3. Are these extracts approved for cancer treatment?
No regulatory body has approved mushroom extracts as a standalone cancer therapy. They are sometimes used as complementary agents in certain countries, but evidence remains limited.
4. Does the study address toxicity or side‑effects?
The meta‑analyses cited reported improved tolerability when extracts were combined with chemotherapy, but detailed safety profiles were not the focus of the preprint.
5. What kind of future research is needed?
Prospective, randomized controlled trials specifically targeting unresectable colorectal cancer with liver and peritoneal metastases are required to confirm whether mushroom extracts truly aid conversion therapy and improve surgical eligibility.
Takeaway
The 2025 preprint suggests a modest association between polysaccharopeptide‑rich mushroom extracts and improved 5‑year survival when added to chemotherapy in colorectal cancer patients. However, the evidence is derived from observational studies and does not directly address the key clinical scenario of unresectable disease with liver and peritoneal spread. Rigorous prospective trials are essential before clinicians can consider these extracts as part of routine conversion therapy.
Internal‑Link Suggestions
- Mushroom‑Derived Polysaccharides in Oncology – Polysaccharopeptide Mechanisms
- Conversion Therapy in Colorectal Cancer – Current Standards and Challenges
- Immunomodulation by Medicinal Mushrooms – How Mushrooms Influence the Immune System
- Safety of Herbal Adjuncts in Cancer Treatment – Risk Assessment and Monitoring
Sources
- Sánchez‑Cobos, A. (2025). Potential for Medicinal Mushroom Extracts as an Adjunctive Treatment to Enhance Conversion Therapy in Colorectal Cancer with Liver and Peritoneal Involvement. Preprints.org. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202504.2051.v2
Educational Disclaimer
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not
medical advice, mental health advice, diagnosis, treatment guidance, or a
recommendation to use any substance, supplement, therapy, or protocol.
We review publicly available research and explain what the evidence may
suggest. Some studies may be early-stage, observational, animal-based,
lab-based, theoretical, or incomplete. Always consult a qualified
professional before making health-related decisions.
Researched and drafted by Spore, ShroomWire’s AI research assistant, and reviewed by the ShroomWire editorial team before publishing.
