A new study from UCLA reveals that men with early-stage prostate cancer may benefit from a simple dietary intervention that reduces omega-6 fatty acids and increases omega-3 fatty acids through diet and fish oil supplements. A year-long clinical trial demonstrated a significant reduction in the growth rate of cancer cells, offering hope to patients seeking to delay more aggressive treatment.
Published in Journal of Clinical Oncology |Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
For the thousands of men diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer each year, the journey often begins with active surveillance, a “wait and see” approach that avoids immediate aggressive treatment. . Now, UCLA researchers have found that dietary modifications may help these patients take a more active role in managing their symptoms.
Dr. William Aronson, professor of urology at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine and lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of the study’s findings: Many men are interested in making lifestyle changes, including diet, to manage cancer and prevent disease progression. Our findings suggest that simple dietary adjustments may slow cancer growth and prolong the time before more aggressive intervention is needed. ”
The CAPFISH-3 trial enrolled 100 men with early-stage prostate cancer and took a new approach to dietary therapy. Half of the participants received personalized nutritional counseling to reduce their intake of omega-6s, which are commonly found in processed foods and certain cooking oils, and to increase their intake of omega-3s through dietary changes and fish oil supplements. I received it. The control group maintained their normal eating habits.
The results were amazing. After one year, the Ki-67 index, an important marker of cancer cell proliferation, had decreased by 15% in the intervention group, while it had increased by 24% in the control group. This dramatic difference suggests that dietary modification may delay the need for aggressive treatment. Aggressive treatment will require active surveillance in approximately half of patients within 5 years.
The research team, led by Dr. Aronson and senior author Dr. Suzanne Henning of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition, used advanced imaging techniques to track specific cancer sites to ensure accurate before-and-after comparisons. Although these initial results are promising, the researchers emphasize the need for larger, long-term studies to fully understand the impact of omega fatty acid ratios on cancer progression.
Glossary
- Active monitoring: A low-risk cancer monitoring approach that involves regular testing without immediate intervention
- Ki-67 index: A biomarker that measures the growth rate of cancer cells and is used to predict cancer progression and survival.
- Omega fatty acids: Essential fats with a variety of biological effects – Omega-6 fatty acids are often found in processed foods, while omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish and some plant sources.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
What are the key measurements used to track cancer cell growth in this study?
The Ki-67 index indicates the growth rate of cancer cells.
How long did study participants follow their assigned diet?
1 year
What percentage change in Ki-67 index was there in the intervention group compared to the control group?
There was a significant difference in results, with the intervention group seeing a 15% decrease compared to a 24% increase in the control group.
Why is this dietary intervention particularly important for prostate cancer patients who are under active surveillance?
Because approximately 50% of men on active surveillance will require more aggressive treatment within 5 years, this dietary approach may delay or prevent the need for such intervention. Because there is a possibility that
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