U of M Receives Funding to Investigate Turkey Tail Mushroom Effect on Immune Response

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (Oct. 11, 2004) - Researchers at the University of Minnesota will soon begin studying whether a mushroom extract can help breast cancer patients' immune systems. The University's Center for Spirituality and Healing received a $2.3 million grant from the National Institute of Health (NIH) to study whether taking Turkey Tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor) extract can boost and maintain the body's immune response following radiation therapy.

The University is one of three institutions to receive this type of grant since the NIH began the program last year. As part of the grant, the center is also designated as a Developmental Center for Research on Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Medicinal mushrooms have been used as a food supplement for many years, yet there is no basic science research in this country studying them, said Joel Slaton, M.D. assistant professor of urologic surgery and principal investigator for the grant.

The Turkey Tail research includes three studies: two basic science studies and a clinical trial. During the clinical trial, which will begin in about six months, the extract will be given to women in conjunction with traditional breast cancer treatments.

Researchers will measure if the tumors shrink and if the women experience less fatigue and a better quality of life after taking the mushroom extract. While the clinical trial involves breast cancer, the results may have implications for prostate cancer patients as well.

The grant requires conventional research institutions to pair with Centers of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, allowing both to benefit from each others' strengths. The University will collaborate with Bastyr University in Kenmore, Wash., an accredited institution recognized as a leader in the study of natural healing.

By joining forces with Bastyr University, we will be able to combine our background in scientific research with their knowledge of naturopathic medicine, Slaton said.

The grant also brings together various centers and departments within the University, including the Center for Spirituality and Healing, urologic surgery, therapeutic radiology, and The Cancer Center. In addition to funding the research, the grant will allow the center to set up infrastructure for future research, including hiring staff, developing a pool of trained researchers, and developing mechanisms to store and analyze research data.