Rung 3 · Moderate
Turkey tail extract (PSK)
Pharmaceutical mushroom extract with survival data in GI cancers.
Side-effect supportWith your doctor
What studies found
A network meta-analysis of 23 trials (10,684 patients), mostly from Japan, found PSK added to chemotherapy improved 3- and 5-year survival in colorectal and gastric cancer without added side effects.
The catch
Many trials are older. A 2017 colorectal trial found the PSK regimen less effective than standard chemotherapy. PSK is a specific drug, not the same as supermarket mushroom supplements.
What to do
Discuss with your oncologist; don't substitute it for chemotherapy.
Sources
Rung 3 of 5, Moderate: Consistent observational studies or small trials, not yet confirmed by large trials. How we score
To take it to your doctor, print this page.
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the colorectal cancer page.
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