Mushroom Polysaccharides as Biological Response Modifiers in Cancer Therapy

The rise in cancer statistics around the world is quite alarming. Cancer is treated by conventional methods like surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. But all these methods have adverse side effects on the host and considerably weaken the immune system. A new promising strategy to manage cancers is immunotherapy which can be used in conjunction with conventional methods without affecting their efficacy. Mushrooms are a rich repertoire of various pharmacologically active components including anticancer agents. Mushroom polysaccharides are generally grouped under biological response modifiers (BRMs). Six mushroom-derived polysaccharides, Lentinan, Schizophyllan, Active hexose correlated compounds, Maitake D-fraction, Polysaccharide-Krestin, and Polysaccharide-Protein complex are commercially available as anticancer drugs in different parts of the world. Mushroom-derived drugs are safe for long-term use and will not produce any side effects. This chapter summarises the immunomodulatory mushroom polysaccharides and their usefulness in the prevention and treatment of cancer.