[Anti-cancer effects of BRMs associated with nutrition in cancer patients].

Abstract

Nutritional deficiencies are believed to be instrumental in producing reduced immune responses in a variety of animal species. Malnutrition may result in an increase or a decrease in immune functions, depending upon its degree, and also the timing and severity of the nutritional protein deprivation. Our experimental data suggest that there is a significant impairment of cytotoxic activity against K-562 and of the ability of spleen cells to produce interferon in protein-deprived mice in comparison with control mice. Paradoxically accelerated tumor growth after administration of OK-432 or Lentinan was also noted in protein-deficient tumor-bearing mice. In addition, a clinical randomized study of advanced or recurrent gastric cancer patients treated with MMC and FT(MF) with or without lentinan was performed. We recognized excellent end-point results only in the lentinan-treated patients with normal protein levels, while no effect of this agent was seen in patients with low serum protein levels (below 5.9/dl). Aggressive postoperative chemotherapy for cases with distant lymph node metastasis was performed under active nutritional support without any depression of metabolic and immunological states, resulting in a good 5-year survival rate (36.9%).

• Authors: T Nishihira, M Akimoto, S Mori
• Journal: Gan to kagaku ryoho. Cancer & chemotherapy (Gan To Kagaku Ryoho) Vol. 15 Issue 4 Pt 2-3 Pg. 1615-20 (Apr 1988) ISSN: 0385-0684 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 3382233 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, English Abstract, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Adjuvants, Immunologic
• Lentinan
• Picibanil

Topics

• Adjuvants, Immunologic (therapeutic use)
• Animals
• Esophageal Neoplasms (therapy)
• Humans
• Lentinan (pharmacology)
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred C3H
• Neoplasms (immunology, therapy)
• Nutrition Disorders (immunology)
• Picibanil (pharmacology)
• Stomach Neoplasms (therapy)