← Search & browse all drugs
ANTINEOPLASTIC AND IMMUNOMODULATING AGENTS › IMMUNOSTIMULANTS › IMMUNOSTIMULANTS › Other immunostimulants
lentinan
L03AX01
Forms & Strengths
- Injectable solution: 1 mg/5 mL vial
Adult Dosing
- 2 mg intravenously once per week
- Administered alongside standard chemotherapy regimens
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established
Indications
- Adjunctive treatment of advanced or recurrent gastric cancer
- Adjunctive treatment of advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer
Mechanism of Action
- Purified beta-glucan polysaccharide derived from Lentinus edodes (Shiitake mushroom)
- Acts as a T-cell-mediated immunopotentiator
- Stimulates host immune response by enhancing cytokine production (e.g., IL-1, IL-2, TNF-alpha) and natural killer cell activity
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to lentinan or related mushroom products
- Severe acute infections
Adverse Reactions
- Anaphylactoid reactions and hypersensitivity
- Fever, chills, and flushing
- Leukopenia or thrombocytopenia (often overlapping with concurrent chemotherapy)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Elevated liver enzymes
Drug Interactions
- Immunosuppressants may antagonize the immunomodulatory effects of lentinan
- Synergistic myelosuppression possible when combined with cytotoxic chemotherapy agents
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use