Immunostimulants have been explored to reduce the complications of radiation/chemotherapy. This double blind randomized trial aimed to determine the immunomodulating effects of Lentin (also known as Lentin Plus 1000) among head and neck cancer patients in addressing radiation treatment complications such as anemia, leukopenia, weight loss and improvement of quality of life.

Sixty-five (65) patients were enrolled and given either Lentin or placebo - 2 weeks prior, during radiation/chemoradiotherapy and 2 months after. Complete Blood Count, Body Mass Index, percent weight loss and EORTC Quality of Life questionnaires QLQ H&N35 were used to assess the degree of anemia, weight loss and quality of life.

Overall CBC results revealed higher values on all parameters in Lentin arm. Upon completion of radiochemotherapy, the Lentin arm showed significantly higher mean hemoglobin by 1.30 g/dL (p=0.010), hematocrit (p=0.001), RBC (p=0.001) and platelets (p=0.017). Also, higher overall BMI (22.69 versus 21.52) and a lower percent weight loss (6.10% versus 6.91%) for Lentin compared to placebo were noted with p-values of 0.199 and 0.571, respectively. Treatment related toxicity using the RTOG grading showed lower severity scores on all parameters (p-values: >0.05) and better QoL scores for patients taking Lentin (p-value: 0.019). Results from this study showed better clinical outcomes for patients taking Lentin.

These have led to fewer blood transfusions, treatment delays and hospital admissions, avoidance of treatment mortalities and morbidities, and improved quality of life among head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy.