Combination Therapy: The Application of Polysaccharide Krestin and The Integration of Nanotechnology in Colorectal Cancer Management

Introduction:

Polysaccharide Krestin (PSK) is a protein-bound polysaccharide that comes from turkey tail mushroom, which originates from forests in East Asia, North America, and Europe. PSK was developed in Japan in the 1960s and has since been used alongside standard chemotherapy for treatment of colorectal, gastric, and lung cancers. Research studies have shown that PSK exhibit numerous biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, and anti-cancer properties and has had.

Methods:

A systematic search of relevant studies published since 2020 was conducted across major databases, including Research Gate, Springer Nature Journal of Health and Rehabilitation, and NIH.

Results:

Experimental evidence from in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated PSK exerts anti-tumor effects through mechanisms such as inhibition of cell cycle progression, induction of apoptosis and suppression of angiogenesis. Additionally, this review discusses the clinical implications of PSK used as an adjuvant and explores the emerging strategy of combining PSK with nanoparticles to enhance its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy.

Discussion:

The findings suggest that PSK, in combination with nanotechnology and anti-cancer medications, holds promise as a valuable adjunct to conventional colorectal cancer treatments, warranting further clinical investigation.