How fast does AHCC work to clear persistent HPV infections. A summary of a phase II clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of AHCC supplementation in modulating the immune system to clear high-risk HPV.

AHCC Clears HPV Infections in Phase II Trial

Persistent high-risk HPV infections can lead to the development of cancer, but there are limited treatment options available. The phase II clinical trial discussed in this article evaluated the efficacy of AHCC supplementation in supporting the immune system’s ability to clear persistent HPV infections. The study found that AHCC was 58% effective in clearing persistent HPV infections, providing hope for those with high-risk HPV.

What is Persistent HPV Infection?

A persistent HPV infection is defined as one that lasts for more than two years. The longer an HPV infection is active, the more likely it is that abnormal cancer cells will form. Although most people naturally clear HPV infections within 2 years if their immune system is strong, about 10% of people with HPV infections have persistent infections that last for more than 2 years. Since persistent high-risk HPV infections are the most likely to cause cancer, it is important to study these cases.

Current Treatments for Persistent HPV Infections

Currently, there is no systemic treatment for persistent HPV infections. Treatment modalities rely on early detection in vaginal PAP smears followed by procedures like cryotherapy, surgical excision, or loop electrosurgical excisional procedure (LEEP). However, these treatments have a high rate of recurrence, and there is not yet an established medical protocol for screening and treating HPV infections in other parts of the body, like the anus.

What is AHCC?

AHCC is a proprietary, standardized extract of cultured lentinula edodes mycelia that has been shown to have unique immune modulatory benefits. Several animal and human studies have reported a variety of therapeutic effects, including enhanced antioxidant effects, anticancer activity, and modulation of the immune system to prevent the infectious processes of both viral and bacterial infections.

Pilot Studies of AHCC to Clear HPV Infections

Previous pilot studies have shown promising results for AHCC in clearing persistent HPV infections. In one study, 50% of women with persistent HPV infections cleared their infection after 3-6 months of taking a 3g daily dose of AHCC on an empty stomach. In a second pilot study, 44% of women taking 1g of AHCC daily on an empty stomach showed clearance of their high-risk HPV persistent infections after 7 months of supplementation.

The New Phase II Study

The phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the efficacy, safety, and durability of AHCC supplementation for 6 months in supporting the immune system to clear high-risk HPV infections. Fifty women over age 30 with persistent HPV infections were studied for 12 months, with one group taking 3g of AHCC daily and the other group taking a placebo.

Results of the Phase II Study

Of the 41 women who completed the study, 14 (63.6%) of the 22 women in the AHCC group cleared their persistent HPV infections, compared to only 5 (23.8%) of the 21 women in the placebo group. This represents a 58% clearance rate for the AHCC group, providing promising evidence that AHCC supplementation can support the immune system in clearing persistent HPV infections.

What factors can compromise the immune system and lead to persistent HPV infections? The immune system can be compromised by poor diet, insufficient sleep, stress, or just age. When the immune system is not functioning optimally, it is less able to clear persistent HPV infections, increasing the risk of these infections progressing to cancer.

How significant are the results of this phase II study? For people who have high-risk HPV, any research on a supplement that supports the immune system’s ability to clear persistent HPV infections is profoundly significant. The 58% clearance rate seen in this study provides hope for those with persistent HPV infections, as currently there are limited treatment options available.

Why is it important to focus on persistent HPV infections specifically? Persistent high-risk HPV infections are the most likely to cause cancer, so it is crucial to find ways to support the immune system in clearing these infections before they progress. Although most HPV infections are cleared naturally within 2 years, the 10% of people with persistent infections are at the greatest risk of developing HPV-related cancers.

What are the implications of these findings for the future treatment of persistent HPV infections? This phase II study suggests that AHCC supplementation may be a promising approach to support the immune system and prevent persistent HPV infections from progressing to cancer. If these results are replicated in larger clinical trials, AHCC could potentially be used as a safe and effective complementary therapy to current treatment modalities, helping to reduce the risk of recurrence and progression to cancer.