Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: LCS101 is a botanical formula extracted from 14 botanical components. While conventional oncology focuses on targeted medicine, research on LCS101 adopts a multi-targeted approach, examining its preclinical (in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo) and clinical (randomized controlled trial, pragmatic) effects. This includes examining the formula's impact on the immune system, selective anticancer effects, and improved chemotherapy-related symptoms and quality of life. Effects on the Immune System: In murine splenic cell cultures, LCS101 significantly increased T-cell proliferation and macrophage tumor necrosis factor-α production. Blood samples from healthy volunteers exposed to LCS101 showed a dose-dependent increase in natural killer cell activity; and a randomized controlled trial showed significantly lower rates of leucopenia/neutropenia and anemia in patients with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Selective Anticancer Effects: In vitro LCS101 demonstrated selective growth inhibition (on XTT viability assay) in human breast and prostate cancer cell lines, without any harmful effects on normal human epithelial cells. The anticancer effects were attributed to reactive oxygen species activity. Cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin and 5-fluorouracil on breast cancer cell lines were significantly increased following exposure to LCS101, with a protective effect in normal cells. Symptom Relief and Quality of Life: Clinical research shows that patients taking LCS101 during chemotherapy are less likely to report symptoms such as fatigue, pain, nausea and vomiting. CONCLUSION: LCS101 exhibits multi-targeted effects, with significant implications for cancer care. Further research is needed to better understand the impact of these findings.