Effect of Ling Zhi-8 supplementation on docetaxel-induced leukopenia and thrombocytopenia in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Leukopenia and immunity impairment usually occur during cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Ling zhi-8 (LZ-8), a water-soluble compound derived from the lingzhi mushroom, has demonstrated anticancer and immunomodulatory properties in an animal model. The objective of this Institutional Review Board-approved study was to evaluate the effect of LZ-8 on docetaxel-induced leukopenia and the anticancer activity of LZ-8 in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. A total of 20 patients simultaneously received LZ-8 and weekly docetaxel and a total of 25 patients received weekly docetaxel alone. The quantities of immune cells in the blood of the participants were determined on days 1, 8, and 15 of chemotherapy and on day 22 when no chemotherapy was administered, either LZ-8-combined therapy or docetaxel alone. LZ-8-combined therapy significantly ameliorated the depletion of white blood cells, neutrophils, and platelets. In addition, an analysis of tumor biomarkers revealed that patients who received LZ-8 and docetaxel exhibited reduced levels of carcinoembryonic antigen and cancer antigen 125 when compared with those who received docetaxel alone. These findings indicated that LZ-8 treatment improves immune function in patients receiving chemotherapy, thereby enhancing their ability to fight cancer, as well as any secondary infections that could compromise their treatment or health.