A growing body of high-quality research links mushroom consumption and mushroom-derived compounds with positive influences on cancer biomarkers and potential cancer outcomes. This article reviews the state of the science on the topic, summarising laboratory, animal, and epidemiological findings, and explains the role of biomarker testing in modern cancer medicine.
How Mushrooms Influence Cancer Biology
Mushrooms have long been a part of complementary medicine, with recent scientific focus on isolating their bioactive molecules for therapeutic potential. Key effects relevant to cancer include:
- Immune Modulation: Certain mushrooms, such as Polyporus linteus and Trametes versicolor (turkey tail), have been shown to enhance T cell numbers, increase secretion of immune factors like IL-12, IFN-γ, and TNF-α, and stimulate natural killer (NK) cell activity. These immunological shifts are thought to support anti-tumor defence.
- Direct Tumor Effects: Extracts from mushrooms like Agaricus bisporus (white button), Lentinus crinitus, and Ganoderma species suppress cancer cell proliferation, induce apoptosis (programmed cell death), and inhibit key growth pathways in animal models and cell cultures.
- Disruption of Cancer Pathways: Mushroom compounds influence crucial molecular pathways (e.g., PI3K/AKT, MAPK, p53, WNT, NOTCH), restoring normal metabolic and apoptotic signaling and interfering with cancer cell survival.
- Influence on Metabolic Biomarkers: Compounds such as neoalbaconol, panepoxydone, and conjugated linoleic acid alter lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, normalize the TCA cycle, and modulate inflammatory biomarker production (e.g., COX-2, prostaglandin E2).
Evidence from Proteomic and Clinical Animal Studies
Large-scale proteomic studies using advanced animal models show that blends of medicinal mushrooms can:
- Increase survival in colon cancer models (sometimes alongside standard chemotherapy).
- Change expression of biomarkers for ribosomal biogenesis (RPS3), translation processes (RPL14), unfolded protein response (DNAJC3), lipid metabolism (ACOT7), and the tricarboxylic acid cycle (FH).
- Suppress chronic inflammatory biomarkers and angiogenesis (e.g., COX-2 inhibition, VEGF reduction) while inducing tumor apoptosis.
Population Evidence and Epidemiology
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies indicate:
- Higher mushroom consumption—about two standard mushrooms per day—is associated with a statistically significant decrease in total cancer risk, especially for breast and gastric cancers.
- Not all studies find associations for every cancer type; individual risk factors, lifestyle, and genetics also play key roles.
Table: Summary of Mushroom-Cancer Biomarker Evidence
Why Biomarker Tests Matter
A biomarker test by companies like Superpower, is a laboratory assessment that analyses blood, tissue, or other samples to detect specific genes, proteins, or molecular markers. These tests reveal information about cancer presence, type, likely progression, and best therapeutic approaches. In cancer research and clinical practice, biomarker tests are used to:
- Track how mushrooms or other interventions affect tumor and immune markers.
- Guide patient treatment selection and measure therapy effectiveness.
Practical Guidance
Compelling evidence shows that mushrooms—and particularly their isolated molecules—can influence key cancer-associated biomarkers, with effects seen in immune function, cell proliferation, tumor apoptosis, and metabolic regulation. While population data indicate potential cancer risk reduction from higher mushroom intake, most clinical proof stems from animal and laboratory findings. Human biomarker tests should continue to guide cancer care, integrating new findings on dietary and therapeutic interventions.
If you are interested in how food or supplements influence cancer or want to monitor your own or a patient’s biomarker response, discuss biomarker test options with a healthcare provider. As research grows, biomarker testing remains the gold standard for assessing interventions, including mushrooms, in cancer prevention and treatment strategies.
References
Dowaraka-Persad B, Neergheen VS. Mushroom-Derived Compounds as Metabolic Modulators in Cancer. Molecules. 2023. [PMC9920867]
Jakopovic M, San DM, et al. Proteomic study of medicinal mushroom extracts reveals antitumor mechanisms in an advanced colon cancer animal model via ribosomal biogenesis, translation, and metabolic pathways. Front Pharmacol. 2024. [Frontiers in Pharmacology]
Patel S, Goyal A. Recent developments in mushrooms as anti-cancer therapeutics: a review. 3 Biotech. 2012;2(1):1–15. [PMC3339609]
Nandi S, et al. A review for cancer treatment with mushroom metabolites: From traditional use to clinical trial evidence. Life Sciences. 2024. [ScienceDirect]
Venturella G, Ferraro V, Papa G, et al. Medicinal Mushrooms: Bioactive Compounds, Use, and Clinical Studies. Int J Mol Sci. 2021. [PMC7826851]
World Cancer Research Fund. Should we eat mushrooms to prevent cancer? 2025.
National Foundation for Cancer Research. Mushrooms for cancer prevention and mental wellbeing. 2025.
Cleveland Clinic. Biomarker Testing for Cancer. 2025.
National Cancer Institute. Definition of biomarker testing. 2025.
American Cancer Society. Biomarker Tests and Cancer Treatment. 2022.
