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Questions About Cancer? 1-800-4-CANCER

NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

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beta-glucan  listen  (BAY-tuh-GLOO-kan)

  A substance found in bacteria, plants, and certain foods, such as baker’s yeast, cereal grains, and mushrooms. It is a type of polysaccharide that is made of a string of glucose (sugar) molecules joined together. Beta-glucan may stimulate the immune system and help kill cancer cells. It is being studied in the treatment of cancer. It is a type of biological response modifier.