PhytoHealth Announces PG2 Study: Improved Survival in Advanced Esophageal Cancer

A recent study led by PhytoHealth Corporation, a prominent Taiwan-based developer of botanical medicines, has unveiled promising advancements in the treatment of advanced esophageal cancer. According to the research conducted, integrating Astragalus Polysaccharides (PG2®Lyo. Injection) with standard concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) has shown significant improvements in patient survival rates.

The clinical trial included 38 participants diagnosed with stage IIb to IIIb esophageal cancer. These patients were divided into two groups: one received the standard CCRT treatment, while the other group was administered CCRT in combination with PG2, an extract derived from Astragalus membranaceus roots and developed by PhytoHealth Corporation.

The findings revealed a notable increase in overall survival rates for patients who received the combination of PG2 and CCRT, compared to those undergoing CCRT alone. Furthermore, this combined therapy demonstrated a higher tumor objective response rate. Researchers also discovered that PG2 played a crucial role in enhancing the immune system by modulating the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and improving the suppression of tumor growth.

Dr. Wen-Chieh Huang, Chief of Division of Thoracic Surgery at Mackay Memorial Hospital in Taiwan and the Principal Investigator of the study, expressed optimism about the results. "These findings offer a new hope for patients with esophageal cancer," Dr. Huang stated. He emphasized that PG2 could become a valuable addition to the existing treatment protocols, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.

Dr. Huang pointed out that, historically, treatment options for esophageal cancer have been relatively scarce compared to other cancers. However, the study's results indicate that the combination of PG2 and CCRT can effectively reduce inflammation markers in the blood, decrease the differentiation of macrophages towards the M2 type, and contribute to tumor shrinkage while enhancing survival rates. This represents a significant breakthrough in esophageal cancer treatment.

Additionally, Dr. Huang noted the challenges esophageal cancer patients typically face during their treatment journey, including the difficulty of completing therapy. By incorporating PG2, known for its efficacy in relieving cancer-related fatigue (CRF), many patients were able to regain their strength and complete their full treatment courses, achieving the desired therapeutic effects.

Esophageal cancer remains a formidable disease characterized by high recurrence rates and poor survival outcomes. PG2, already approved by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration for treating cancer-related fatigue, has shown potential as an effective treatment enhancer. This groundbreaking discovery signifies a substantial step forward in the fight against this challenging cancer.

PhytoHealth Corporation, the entity behind this innovative research, is dedicated to the development and manufacturing of botanical medicines and natural health products. Based in Taiwan, the company focuses on scientific research and innovation, ensuring the provision of safe, effective, and high-quality products that promote overall health and well-being.

The results of this study will be showcased as a poster at the prestigious 2024 ESMO Congress, further highlighting the potential impact of PG2 in improving treatment outcomes for esophageal cancer patients.