PSA Levels in Men with Prostate Cancer, Stabilized With the Help of Pomegranate Juice
Levels of PSA or prostate-specific antigen (a biomarker that indicates the presence of cancer) in men treated for prostate cancer remained stable upon daily drinking of pomegranate juice (eight ounce glass, increased nearly 4 times).
This is the finding of a three-year UCLA study that involved 50 men who has undergone surgery or radiation but quickly experiences increases in PSA levels.
I was surprised when I saw such an improvement in PSA numbers,” Pantuck said. “In older men 65 to 70 who have been treated for prostate cancer, we can give them pomegranate juice and it may be possible for them to outlive their risk of dying from their cancer.
We’re hoping we may be able to prevent or delay the need for other therapies usually used in this population such as hormone treatment or chemotherapy, both of which bring with them harmful side effects.”
Drinking pomegranate juice may not be the cure but it could change the way prostate cancer grows and possibly allow men to outlive their risk of dying from their cancer.
This study appears in the July 1 issue of Clinical Cancer Research.
Source: Science Daily
Tags: pomegranate-juice, prostate-cancerRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Prostate & testicular cancer
1 opinion for PSA Levels in Men with Prostate Cancer, Stabilized With the Help of Pomegranate Juice
Christopher
Nov 29, 2006 at 2:56 am
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) for prostate cancer is often avoided due to negative perceptions about it, although research has shown that EBRT is as safe and effective as other alternatives including prostatectomy.
According to a study presented at the 48th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, men base their treatment choices on cultural and personal prejudices, not just on technical information given to them.
Men with stage I or stage II prostate cancer are usually given the option of EBRT, brachytherapy, or prostatectomy to treat their disease, and face a barrage of confusing information about what treatment is right for them.
The researchers emphasized the necessity for men to express their fears and concerns about the different treatment options so they can make the most informed decision about what therapy to select.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: