Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women and represents a significant health challenge worldwide. There are many forms of treatment; however, despite their effectiveness, patients generally experience side effects. The aim of this thesis was to review the scientific literature on the role of fungal β-glucans in supporting the immune system in breast cancer and to examine their immunomodulatory effects. β-glucans are polysaccharides found in the cell walls of fungi, cereals, and bacteria. Fungal β-glucans are of particular interest due to their antitumor properties. In addition, another advantage is that many fungi are edible. The literature review showed that fungal β-glucans act primarily through immune system receptors, stimulating the activation of macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and T lymphocytes. β-glucans also have a significant effect on cytokine secretion and the remodeling of the tumor microenvironment. A large number of preclinical studies have reported reduced immunosuppression, increased macrophage polarization toward the M1 phenotype, and an enhanced antitumor response. There are very few clinical studies on the effects of pure isolated β-glucans in patients with breast cancer. The results obtained so far indicate that they are safe and improve certain parameters of cellular immunity. β-glucans represent a promising complementary approach to supporting standard breast cancer treatment; however, further high-quality studies are needed.
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