Lentinula edodes in Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
In brief
Shiitake mushroom extract boosts tumor response by about 45% but does not extend survival
In a meta-analysis of 13 randomized trials with 1,723 cancer patients, adding Lentinula edodes extracts to standard therapy increased the odds of tumor response by roughly one-third to one-half, yet overall survival, quality of life, and side-effect rates were unchanged. The findings are limited by study quality, so stronger trials are needed before routine use.
- Journal
- Integrative cancer therapies (Q1)
- Published
- 26 August 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review / meta-analysis of RCTs
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1a)
- Authors
- Byeong Seok Sohn, In Sil Choi, Soo Young Kim, Young Il Kim, Chi Hoon Maeng, Youngduk Seo, et al.
- PMID
- 42648714
- DOI
- 10.1177/15347354261483632
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (top studies of the week, 30 August 2026): Systematic review of Lentinula edodes in cancer
Abstract
Lentinula edodes extracts are used by cancer patients as alternative or complementary therapies; however, no systematic review has evaluated their actual benefits. We searched several databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, AMED, and KoreanMed) and included studies comparing groups receiving L. edodes extracts alongside standard treatment with those receiving standard treatment alone. A total of 22 trials involving 1,723 cancer patients were included. Of these, 13 were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nine were controlled non-randomized trials (NRTs). In the analysis of the 13 RCTs, the L. edodes group showed a better response rate than the control group (odds ratio, 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-2.07; P = 0.04). However, there was no significant difference in overall survival between the two groups (hazards ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.34-1.28; P = 0.22). There was also no difference in the incidence of hematological or non-hematological adverse events (AEs) between the groups. Similarly, no significant difference in overall quality of life (QoL) was observed (standard mean difference, 0.23; 95% CI [-0.16, 0.62]; P = 0.25). In the nine NRTs, the L. edodes group demonstrated favorable outcomes in tumor response and QoL (P < 0.05). This review found that L. edodes extracts were associated with improved tumor response. However, these results have many limitations and do not translate into improved survival. Additionally, no differences were found in AEs or QoL. Overall, the evidence does not support clear recommendations, and more high-quality, well-designed randomized trials are needed.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.