Potential Benefits of Beta-Glucans for Mesothelioma Patients

Beta-glucans, often referred to as β-glucans, are natural sugars found in certain foods like mushrooms and cereal grains. These compounds have garnered attention for their potential health benefits, especially for cancer patients, such as those facing mesothelioma.

What are Beta-Glucans?

Beta-glucans are a type of polysaccharide, sugar compounds found in living organisms. They can be sourced from various natural sources, including specific mushrooms, bacteria, grains, and yeasts. These unique compounds have gained recognition for their potential to influence various aspects of health, including immune system support, inflammation reduction, and overall well-being enhancement.

The Role of Beta-Glucans

Beta-glucans play several vital roles in health, making them of particular interest to cancer patients. Here’s an overview of their potential benefits:

1. Immune System Support: Beta-glucans are known for their ability to stimulate the immune system, which can be crucial for individuals battling diseases like cancer.
2. Inflammation Reduction: These compounds have shown promise in reducing inflammation, which is a common concern for cancer patients.
3. Improved Blood Cell Counts: Beta-glucans may contribute to improved blood cell counts, which can positively impact overall health.
4. Enhanced Quality of Life: The potential benefits of beta-glucans extend to improving the overall quality of life for cancer patients, including symptom management and reduced side effects of treatment.

Different Types of Beta-Glucans

Beta-glucans come in various forms, each with its own unique characteristics and potential benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:

1. Cereal Grain Beta-Glucans: These linear beta-glucans can be found in grains like barley, oats, rye, and wheat bran. Extensive research has indicated their potential to help control cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and weight. Moreover, they may support memory enhancement, inflammation control, and gut health improvement.
2. Mushroom Beta-Glucans: Short-branched mushroom beta-glucans can be sourced from various mushrooms. While research is ongoing, these beta-glucans have shown promise in reducing the duration of viral episodes and alleviating osteoarthritis symptoms. In mice studies, mushroom beta-glucans have demonstrated the potential to activate the immune system and enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy in fighting tumors.
3. Yeast Beta-Glucans: Long-branched yeast beta-glucans are still under research, but they hold promise in cancer management and inflammation control. Studies have suggested potential benefits for breast cancer patients, including improved blood cell counts, reduced chemotherapy side effects, and and better life quality.

Exploring Other Glucans

In addition to beta-glucans, alpha-glucans are another type of molecule found in various living organisms and foods like potatoes, corn, and mushrooms. While they have a slightly different structure than beta-glucans, alpha-glucans may also offer health benefits such as immune system activation, diabetes management, and cholesterol reduction. Interestingly, maitake mushrooms contain both alpha- and beta-glucans.

The Mechanism of Beta-Glucans

Beta-glucan supplements are available in oral and intravenous (IV) forms, with IV versions being considered experimental drugs available only through clinical trials. Although the precise mechanisms of beta-glucan action are not yet fully understood, research suggests that immune cells play a crucial role. When immune cells encounter beta-glucans, they ingest and break them down into smaller components. These components, in turn, stimulate other immune cells to attack and potentially destroy tumor cells.

Beta-Glucan Supplementation

The practice of beta-glucan supplementation can vary depending on factors like the type of beta-glucan, the method of administration, existing treatments, and individual needs. Studies have reported different regimens, with one example being a 28-day cycle involving daily oral beta-glucan supplements for 14 days, followed by 14 days off. Patients in these studies generally experienced no major side effects. While further research is needed to confirm the long-term safety of beta-glucan supplementation, experts suggest it may be safe for up to 3 months.

The Role of Beta-Glucans for Cancer Patients

Research into the benefits of beta-glucans for cancer patients is ongoing, and no beta-glucan has received FDA approval as a standalone treatment for any illness, including mesothelioma and other cancers. Beta-glucans are considered complementary supplements and are not intended to replace standard cancer medications or treatments.

Promising Studies:

• A 2014 study investigated the addition of beta-glucans to traditional lung cancer treatment. Patients with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) received chemotherapy alongside the targeted therapy drug Avastin® (bevacizumab). The addition of beta-glucans led to significantly prolonged tumor growth stabilization and increased patient survival.
• A 2017 study examined the effects of yeast beta-glucans on late-stage NSCLC patients receiving chemotherapy with Erbitux® (cetuximab). Patients who received beta-glucans were more likely to experience tumor shrinkage or disappearance.

Potential Beta-Glucan Benefits

Beta-glucan health benefits may vary based on factors like the type of beta-glucan, cancer type, and individual characteristics. Potential benefits include accelerated white blood cell recovery, minimal side effects, overall improved quality of life, symptom and side effect management, tumor cell destruction, and tumor growth restriction. However, further research is needed to confirm these effects.

Eligibility for Beta-Glucans

Beta-glucans are considered supplements and do not have strict eligibility criteria. It’s essential for patients to consult their healthcare providers before incorporating beta-glucans or any other supplements into their treatment plans. A patient’s oncologist can provide valuable guidance and may recommend participation in clinical trials or studies, if eligible.

Who Should Avoid Beta-Glucans?

Patients taking blood pressure medications or immunosuppressant drugs should consult their primary healthcare providers before using beta-glucan supplements, as interactions may occur. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should also avoid beta-glucan supplements due to limited research on their effects during pregnancy and lactation.

Exploring Beta-Glucan Side Effects

Research and medical professionals have generally found beta-glucans to be safe and well-tolerated by most individuals. Reported side effects are typically mild and may include digestive issues and fatigue. As with any supplement, patients should seek guidance from their healthcare providers before introducing beta-glucans into their treatment regimen.

Beta-glucans hold promise as a complementary approach to cancer treatment, offering potential benefits for patients. While research is ongoing, individuals interested in incorporating beta-glucan supplementation into their cancer management plan should engage in open discussions with their healthcare providers. These conversations can help determine the suitability of beta-glucans for their specific needs and ensure informed decision-making regarding their cancer treatment journey.