Beta-glucana como estratégia complementar no tratamento do câncer

Abstract

The need to gather scientific evidence on the potential of beta-glucan as a complementary strategy in cancer treatment and prevention justifies this study. The objective was to conduct a narrative review of the literature on the immunomodulatory, metabolic, and antitumor effects of this polysaccharide. The research examined, both experimental and clinical, showed that supplementation with beta-glucan—derived from oats, yeast, and mushrooms—can reduce preneoplastic lesions, oxidative stress, and inflammation, in addition to regulating important metabolic and immunological pathways, such as WNT/beta-catenin. In models of breast, colon, and lung cancer, reduced tumor growth, increased apoptosis, and restored CD8+ T lymphocyte function were observed. Clinical trials showed an increase in the activity of NK cells and cytokines (IL-2, IL-10, IFN-γ), as well as an improved response to immunotherapies. The effects varied depending on the compound's origin and purity, but generally, they demonstrated synergistic action with conventional treatments. Beta-glucan shows promising potential as an immunomodulatory and adjuvant agent in cancer treatment. However, further standardized clinical research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.