Interesting progress in Integrative Cancer Research

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http://www.nutraceuticalsworld.com/contents/view/24423

Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is a group of disorders that originate in

hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow (the immature cells from which

all blood cells develop). In patients with MDS, the bone marrow stops

making healthy blood cells and instead produces abnormal, poorly

functioning blood cells. MDS can affect oxygen-carrying red blood cells,

infection-fighting white blood cells, beneficial platelets, or any

combination of the three. Approximately 15,000 to 20,000 new cases of

MDS are diagnosed each year in the U.S.

For the past seven years, researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer

Center have studied a globally patented maitake mushroom extract in a

variety of MDS-related in vitro studies and a few early clinical trials.

They have also published promising results, including a 2007 study in

the journal Clinical and Vaccine Immunology, which showed that the

maitake extract enhanced hematopoiesis in cord blood in test tubes.

It was recently announced that the researchers at Memorial

Sloan-Kettering will launch a Phase II clinical trial to study the

ability of Maitake 404 Extract (supplied by Yukiguni Maitake Corp. of

America, Middletown, NY) to improve immune function among patients with

MDS. Specifically, the researchers will work to determine whether the

extract can improve neutrophil count and neutrophil function, as

measured by respiratory burst.The protocol was approved by FDA and by

Memorial Sloan-Kettering's Institutional Review Board.

" Using this extract for our Phase II clinical trial is essential for

study consistency, as it was used in our Phase 1 studies, " said Barrie

Cassileth, chief of the Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial

Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. " We are pleased to continue our research

in the promising area of medicinal mushrooms and MDS. Past research in

this area has warranted further investigation. We look forward seeing

continued progress. "

" In earlier studies, beta-glucans, polysaccharides found in the 404

maitake extract, were shown to enhance hematopiesis, increase G-CSF

production and improve immune response, " explained Kazunori Kameyama,

president and CEO, Yukiguni Maitake Corp.

Popularity of the maitake mushroom extract continues to grow in the

U.S., as does public interest in credible clinical research. Maitake is

the Japanese name for the edible Grifola frondosa mushroom, also known

as " Hen of the Woods, " which has been used for centuries as a dietary

supplement in Japan and China. Previous studies published in major

medical journals have underscored maitake mushroom extract's ability to

support a healthy immune system and cellular health.

" It is apparently true that the general inertest in medicinal mushrooms'

efficacy is gaining a strong momentum these few years, though, in this

kind of market, people seem to be wondering what really are the

authentic and truly reliable products and what are the fake and

unreliable merchandises, " commented Mr. Kameyama. " Due to such a gloomy

[state] of the market place, it is not always easy to catch an instant

attention for the real authentic product like our Maitake 404 extract,

and that's why we have been focusing on the clinical trial like this,

which is being done by a globally respected top research organization

like Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in order to establish

persuasive evidence. "

When asked about the factors responsible for the increased interest in

medicinal mushrooms, Mr. Kameyama pointed to their historical longevity.

" Many medicinal mushrooms have been used in Asia for so many centuries

and many have been proven to have almost no side effect. And their

efficacy, in many cases, is soft and natural, " he said. " Also, medicinal

mushrooms, especially maitake, are believed to rearrange the body's

self-curing system in a very quiet [way], but sometimes the benefit is

immediate. People are realizing the power of medicinal mushroom is

quiet, soft but powerful, and that seems to be the most responsible

factor. "

In addition to suppyling its Maitake 404 Extract for use in the trial,

Yukiguni Maitake Company Ltd. is also providing financial support for

the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center trial.

S. Kalman PhD, RD, FACN

Director, Business Development

Phase I Unit & Applied Clinical Trials

MRA Clinical Research

6280 Sunset Drive #600

Miami, FL. 33143

Direct -

Office ext. 5109

Fax

Email: dkalman@...

http://www.miamiresearch.com/phase1.htm

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