What integrative oncology is
Integrative oncology is a branch of clinical medicine combining standard treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted and immunotherapy) with additional methods — nutraceuticals, physical activity, meditation, acupuncture and others. The goal is to improve the patient's quality of life, reduce treatment side effects and, where possible, increase its effectiveness.
In March 2026, The American Journal of Medicine published the review by Mohammed C., Aaroe A.E., Buchold G., Krummel D.A.P., Stamets P., Sharma A., Alschuler L., Sengupta S. — "Fungal-derived supplements in integrative oncology" (DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2025.12.028). It is the first major synthesis on mushroom supplements specifically in an integrative framework rather than alternative medicine.
Fungi with the strongest evidence base
Trametes versicolor
PSK (polysaccharide-K) and PSP (polysaccharide-peptide) are the most studied fungal antitumour adjuvants. Registered in Japan and China as adjunctive drugs for stomach, colon, lung and breast cancer.
- The Sakamoto et al. meta-analysis (2007), pooling 8 RCTs and 8009 patients, showed +9% to 5-year relapse-free survival when PSK was added to standard chemotherapy (see the card PSK in oncology (meta-analysis)).
- TLR2 agonism. Recent work showed PSK activates NK cells via the TLR2 receptor and enhances the effect of HER2-targeted therapy (trastuzumab).
- A detailed breakdown of the mechanisms is in PSK and PSP: fungal polysaccharides in oncology.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Reishi triterpenoids (ganoderic acids) are studied as cytotoxic agents in cell lines. In human RCTs:
- Zhao et al. (2012) — in 48 breast-cancer patients, reishi polysaccharides reduced fatigue and improved quality of life during hormonal therapy. Details in the card Reishi in breast cancer.
- Reishi's immunomodulating action (increased NK activity, IL-2, IFN-γ) is confirmed in several small RCTs.
Fungi with a moderate evidence base
Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis, C. militaris)
- In preclinical models cordyceps suppressed angiogenesis, induced tumour-cell apoptosis and enhanced the effect of cisplatin.
- The Mohammed et al. (2026) review mentions preliminary clinical data on reduced fatigue in oncology patients taking cordyceps alongside chemotherapy.
- No 5-year survival analyses yet.
Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
- D-fraction increased NK-cell and monocyte activity in oncology patients (Phase I/II, n=34; see the card Maitake: D-fraction and immunity).
- Clinical observations in Japan (Kodama et al., 2002–2010) point to possible symptom improvement in breast, lung and liver cancer, but without large RCTs.
- A detailed maitake review is in Maitake: medicinal properties.
Agarikon (Laricifomes officinalis)
- In preclinical models, agarikon essential oils inhibit herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, HIV.
- Antitumour data come mainly from in vitro and animal models; oncology clinical data are absent.
- In 2026 two RCTs on COVID-19 (the FoTv blend) were published — see Mushrooms as immunomodulators in the context of COVID-19.
Fungi with early preclinical data
Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus)
- Preclinically it stimulates NGF (nerve growth factor) and neuroregeneration; of interest for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy.
- Oncology clinical data are limited to case series and small observations.
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
- Chaga extracts suppress tumour cells in cell lines (breast, lung, colon).
- Clinical data are limited to pilot work in healthy volunteers and in-vitro reviews.
Psilocybin and psycho-oncology
Separately stands psilocybin — the psychoactive alkaloid of Psilocybe mushrooms. It is not a "supplement" but an investigational pharmaceutical agent.
- RCT Goodwin et al. (2022, NEJM) — n=233, a 25 mg dose reduced major-depression symptoms at week 3 (NEJM 2022; 387:1637–1648).
- In psycho-oncology it is studied for existential distress in terminal cancer patients (several Phase II trials, NYU, JHU).
- Legal status. Banned in Russia and most CIS countries; permitted for medical use under control in Oregon (USA) and Australia (since 2023).
A critical look at the Mohammed et al. (2026) review
Strengths:
- Emphasizes the difference between preclinical and clinical data — critically important, because popular literature often mixes these levels.
- Describes mechanisms of action (β-glucans → Dectin-1, TLR; triterpenoids → apoptosis; ergothioneine → antioxidant).
- Acknowledges that integrative oncology with mushrooms is rarely implemented — even where data exist.
Weaknesses (in our assessment):
- Most authors are affiliated with Fungi Perfecti (Stamets) and commercial integrative-medicine structures. This does not invalidate the results but requires transparency.
- The 5-year survival synthesis is given only for PSK; reliable data are absent for the other fungi.
- Dosing recommendations remain vague — formulations like "1 to 6 g/day" appear without reference to specific studies.
Practical conclusions
- Trametes (PSK/PSP) — the only fungus with a convincing evidence base in adjuvant oncology, especially for GI cancers. If anything in this category is worth trying — start here.
- Reishi and maitake — moderately substantiated for reducing chemotherapy side effects (fatigue, immunosuppression).
- Cordyceps — promising but thin on data.
- Agarikon, lion's mane, chaga — at the preclinical or pilot stage; await stronger evidence.
- Psilocybin — a separate category developing outside "supplements"; unavailable in Russia.
- Mandatory caveat: any mushroom supplements in oncology must be coordinated with the treating oncologist — some β-glucans may interact with immunotherapy (checkpoint inhibitors) and other drugs.
Conclusion
Mushroom supplements are a legitimate direction of integrative oncology, but not a panacea. Trametes (PSK/PSP) is the most evidence-based; reishi, maitake, cordyceps are promising additions. The field is developing actively: new RCTs and meta-analyses appear every year. The site will keep updating the database as new work is published.