Efficacy of Lentinula Edodes-Derived Supplement (AHCC®) in Promoting Negativity of Persistent HPV Infection

This retrospective, multicenter, observational study evaluates HPV-DNA clearance in women with documented persistent high-risk HPV infection managed in routine clinical practice. Eligible participants had confirmed HPV-DNA positivity persisting for at least six months and no high-grade cervical lesions.

Clinical data were retrospectively collected from medical records from January 2023 to December 2024. Participants were categorized into three exposure groups based on treatments already received as part of standard care: AHCC® supplementation alone, nonavalent HPV vaccination alone, or combined AHCC® supplementation and nonavalent HPV vaccination. No randomization or prospective treatment assignment was performed.

The primary outcome is HPV-DNA clearance, defined as conversion from HPV-DNA positive to negative status, assessed at 4 and 6 months after treatment initiation. Secondary outcomes include safety, tolerability, and treatment compliance based on routinely collected clinical data. This study reflects real-world clinical practice and was not designed as a randomized interventional trial.

Inclusion criteria

• Female participants aged 18 years or older.
• Documented persistent high-risk HPV infection for at least 6 continuous months, confirmed by consecutive HPV-DNA tests.
• Absence of high-grade cervical lesions (≤ CIN1).
• Availability of complete clinical records with evaluable HPV-DNA testing at baseline and follow-up.
• Documented management with AHCC® supplementation alone, nonavalent HPV vaccination alone, or combined AHCC® supplementation and nonavalent HPV vaccination in routine clinical practice.
• No prior excisional or ablative treatment of the cervix (including conization or LEEP).

Exclusion criteria

• History of cervical excisional or ablative treatment (including conization or LEEP).
• Presence of high-grade cervical lesions (CIN2 or worse) or invasive cervical cancer.
• Incomplete clinical documentation or missing HPV follow-up data.
• Conditions known to significantly alter immune function, including ongoing immunosuppressive therapy, active autoimmune disease requiring systemic treatment, or documented immunodeficiency, when such information was available in medical records.
• Prior systemic antiviral or immunomodulatory therapy specifically aimed at HPV clearance during the observation period.