Selected Vegetables/Sun’s Soup was first conceived as a treatment for cancer in the mid-1980s. In an effort to help a relative who was diagnosed with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (metastasis to the left adrenal gland), the developer created a mixture that contained shiitake mushroom (Lentinus edodes [Berk.] Singer), mung bean (Phaseolus radiatus L.), Hedyotis diffusa Willd., and barbat skullcap ( Scutellaria barbata D. Don) in the belief that these plant materials had anticancer and/or immune-system –stimulating properties.[1-3] After the relative appeared to benefit from this treatment (the relative was reported to be alive and cancer free more than 13 years [3]), three additional patients (one with stage IV kidney cancer that had metastasized to the lungs, one with stage IV kidney cancer that had metastasized to the liver and to the lungs, and one with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer that had metastasized to the brain) were treated with a variant of the original mixture, i.e., a combination of shiitake mushroom and mung bean.[1] (Note: No explanation has been given for the omission of Hedyotis diffusa and barbat skullcap for these patients.) These additional patients were also said to benefit from vegetable/herb treatment.[1] (Refer to the Human/Clinical Studies ¹ section of this summary for more information.)

In June 1992, the developer filed a patent application for the “Herbal treatment of malignancy,” and a patent was awarded in August 1995.[1] Also in June 1992, the developer initiated a clinical trial in the Czech Republic to test Selected Vegetables/Sun’s Soup as a treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer.[4] A second clinical study (a nonconsecutive case series) that also involved patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer was completed in 1997.[5] It is unclear, however, when patient accrual for this second study began.[5] In both reports of the clinical study results, the authors concluded that patients who received Selected Vegetables/Sun’s Soup had prolonged survival.[4,5] (Refer to the Human/Clinical Studies ¹ section of this summary for more information.)

In 1998, the developer reported at a scientific conference that additional patients with various other types of cancer had benefited from treatment with Selected Vegetables/Sun’s Soup.[2] (Refer to the Human/Clinical Studies ¹ section of this summary for more information.)

As noted previously (in the General Information ² section), the proposed mechanism of action for Selected Vegetables/Sun’s Soup involves anticancer and/or immune-system–stimulating activities associated with some of the ingredients. Reviewed in [1-5] The following types of compounds likely found in Selected Vegetables/Sun’s Soup have been investigated for these activities: protease inhibitors and autoclave-resistant factors, which are found in soybeans (Glycine max L. Merr.); plant sterols; saponin; inositol hexaphosphate (IP6); beta-glucans; lectins; coumestans such as coumestrol; and isoflavones such as daidzein, genistein, biochanin A, and formononetin. Reviewed in [4,5]

One beta-glucan found in shiitake mushroom, i.e., lentinan, has been used as an adjunctive therapy for cancer (primarily gastric cancer and colorectal cancer) in Japan.[6,7] Reviewed in [8,9] Treatment with lentinan has been reported to prolong the survival of patients with gastric cancer [6,7] Reviewed in [8,9] and to improve their quality of life.[6] However, lentinan may not be an active component in Selected Vegetables/Sun’s Soup. This compound has a large molecular mass and is believed to have only limited oral bioavailability. Reviewed in [8-10] Therefore, lentinan has usually been given by intravenous injection. Nonetheless, other substances in shiitake mushroom have been identified as having greater oral bioavailability, and these substances have shown anticancer activity in animal experiments. Reviewed in [8,10]

References

1. Sun AS: Herbal Treatment of Malignancy. US Patent 5437866. August 1, 1995. Washington, DC: US Patent and Trademark Office, 1995. Available online. ³ Last accessed November 28, 2007. 
   
   
2. Sun A: Food therapy for non-small cell lung cancer. In: Comprehensive Cancer Care: Integrating Complementary and Alternative Therapies - A Conference for Health professionals, June 12-14, 1998. Breakout Session 405: Herbal Therapies. Available online. ⁴ Last accessed November 28, 2007. 
   
   
3. Cancer Advisory Panel for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAPCAM).: Minutes of the First Meeting - July 8-9, 1999: Section X: Phase I/II study of stage III and IV non-small cell lung cancer patients taking a specific dietary supplement - Dr. Alexander Sun, Medical Director, Connecticut Institute of Aging and Cancer. Bethesda, Md: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2002. Available online. ⁵ Last accessed November 28, 2007. 
   
   
4. Sun AS, Ostadal O, Ryznar V, et al.: Phase I/II study of stage III and IV non-small cell lung cancer patients taking a specific dietary supplement. Nutr Cancer 34 (1): 62-9, 1999.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
5. Sun AS, Yeh HC, Wang LH, et al.: Pilot study of a specific dietary supplement in tumor-bearing mice and in stage IIIB and IV non-small cell lung cancer patients. Nutr Cancer 39 (1): 85-95, 2001.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
6. Nakano H, Namatame K, Nemoto H, et al.: A multi-institutional prospective study of lentinan in advanced gastric cancer patients with unresectable and recurrent diseases: effect on prolongation of survival and improvement of quality of life. Kanagawa Lentinan Research Group. Hepatogastroenterology 46 (28): 2662-8, 1999 Jul-Aug.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
7. Taguchi T: Clinical efficacy of lentinan on patients with stomach cancer: end point results of a four-year follow-up survey. Cancer Detect Prev Suppl 1: 333-49, 1987.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
8. Borchers AT, Stern JS, Hackman RM, et al.: Mushrooms, tumors, and immunity. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 221 (4): 281-93, 1999.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
9. Kidd PM: The use of mushroom glucans and proteoglycans in cancer treatment. Altern Med Rev 5 (1): 4-27, 2000.  [PUBMED Abstract]
   
   
10. Wasser SP, Weis AL: Therapeutic effects of substances occurring in higher Basidiomycetes mushrooms: a modern perspective. Crit Rev Immunol 19 (1): 65-96, 1999.  [PUBMED Abstract]
    
    

Glossary Terms

Another treatment used together with the primary treatment. Its purpose is to assist the primary treatment. Also called adjunct therapy.

A small gland that makes steroid hormones, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. These hormones help control heart rate, blood pressure, and other important body functions. There are two adrenal glands, one on top of each kidney. Also called suprarenal gland.

A substance found in soybeans that may slow down or stop the spread of cancer. This substance does not break down in an autoclave (a device that uses steam under high pressure to sterilize medical and laboratory supplies and equipment).

A type of polysaccharide (string of sugar molecules) obtained from several types of mushrooms. It is being studied as a treatment for cancer and as an immune system stimulant.

The ability of a drug or other substance to be absorbed and used by the body. Orally bioavailable means that a drug or other substance that is taken by mouth can be absorbed and used by the body.

An isoflavone found in soy products. Soy isoflavones (estrogen-like substances made by some plants) are being studied to see if they help prevent cancer.

A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. Also called clinical study.

Having to do with the colon or the rectum.

An estrogen-like substance (phytoestrogen) made by some plants. Coumestans may have anticancer effects.

A type of coumestan. Coumestans are estrogen-like substances (phytoestrogens) made by some plants. Coumestans may have anticancer effects.

An isoflavone found in soy products. Soy isoflavones are being studied in the prevention of cancer.

Having to do with the stomach.

An isoflavone found in soy products. Soy isoflavones are being studied to see if they help prevent cancer.

An herb used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat certain medical problems. It has been used to boost the immune system and may have anticancer effects.

The complex group of organs and cells that defends the body against infections and other diseases.

Use of a syringe and needle to push fluids or drugs into the body; often called a "shot."

A substance found in many foods that come from plants, including corn, wheat, rice, and soybeans, and in large amounts in cereals and legumes. It is being studied in the prevention of cancer. Also called IP6 and phytic acid.

Into or within a vein. Intravenous usually refers to a way of giving a drug or other substance through a needle or tube inserted into a vein. Also called I.V..

An estrogen-like substance made by some plants, including the soy plant. Soy isoflavones are being studied in the prevention of cancer, hot flashes that occur with menopause, and osteoporosis (loss of bone density).

A complex molecule that has both protein and sugars. Lectins are able to bind to the outside of a cell and cause biochemical changes in it. Lectins are made by both animals and plants.

A beta-glucan (a type of polysaccharide) from the mushroom Lentinus edodes (shiitake mushroom). It has been studied in Japan as a treatment for cancer.

A large organ located in the upper abdomen. The liver cleanses the blood and aids in digestion by secreting bile.

One of a pair of organs in the chest that supplies the body with oxygen, and removes carbon dioxide from the body.

The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. A tumor formed by cells that have spread is called a “metastatic tumor” or a “metastasis.” The metastatic tumor contains cells that are like those in the original (primary) tumor. The plural form of metastasis is metastases (meh-TAS-tuh-SEEZ).

The sum of the atomic masses of all atoms in a molecule, based on a scale in which the atomic masses of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen are 1, 12, 14, and 16, respectively. For example, the molecular mass of water, which has two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen, is 18 (i.e., 2 + 16).

A type of bean grown in warm climates, usually for its seed and for bean sprouts. Mung bean may have anticancer effects.

A clinical study that includes some, but not all, of the eligible patients identified by the researchers during the study registration period. This type of study does not usually have a control group.

A plant-based compound that can compete with dietary cholesterol to be absorbed by the intestines, resulting in lower blood cholesterol levels. Plant sterols may have some effect in cancer prevention. Also called phytosterol.

A compound that interferes with the ability of certain enzymes to break down proteins. Some protease inhibitors can keep a virus from making copies of itself (for example, AIDS virus protease inhibitors), and some can prevent cancer cells from spreading.

The overall enjoyment of life. Many clinical trials assess the effects of cancer and its treatment on the quality of life. These studies measure aspects of an individual’s sense of well-being and ability to carry out various activities.

A substance found in soybeans and many other plants. Saponins may help lower cholesterol and may have anticancer effects.

An herb that belongs to a group of herbs named the Scutellaria species or scullcap. Both the root and the above-ground part have been used to make herbal medicines. The root has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung cancer and other medical problems.

A dark oriental mushroom widely used as a food. Several anticancer substances have been found in shiitake mushrooms, including lentinan, which has been studied in Japan as a treatment for stomach and colorectal cancer. The scientific name is Lentinus edodes.

Cancer has spread (1) beyond the layer of fatty tissue around the kidney and may be found in 1 nearby lymph node; or (2) to 2 or more nearby lymph nodes; or (3) to other organs, such as the bowel, pancreas, or lungs, and may be found in nearby lymph nodes. Also called stage IV renal cell cancer.

Cancer that may have spread to lymph nodes and has spread to another lobe of the lungs or to other parts of the body, such as the brain, liver, adrenal glands, kidneys, or bone.