Consuming fish, olive oil and nuts, while limiting the use of chips, biscuits and mayonnaise, may slow the growth of early prostate cancer, according to a new study.
New research suggests that simple dietary changes may help reduce the growth of prostate cancer cells in patients following "active surveillance."
This is a treatment approach that involves regular monitoring of the cancer without immediate intervention.
The results show that a diet low in omega-6 but rich in omega-3 fatty acids, combined with fish oil supplements, significantly reduced the growth rate of prostate cancer cells in men with early-stage disease.
According to scientists, this could extend the time before more aggressive treatment is needed.
Many men with low-risk prostate cancer choose active surveillance instead of immediate treatment.
However, within five years, about half of them must undergo surgical or radiation therapy.
For this reason, patients look for ways to postpone the need for treatment, including dietary changes or the use of supplements.
Researchers conducted an experiment with 100 men at low or intermediate risk of prostate cancer who chose active surveillance.
Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one group that continued their normal diet and one group that followed a low-omega-6, high-omega-3 diet combined with fish oil for one year.
This group received advice on healthier, lower-fat alternatives, such as using olive oil or lemon juice and vinegar for salad dressings, and trying to eat more fish and nuts.
They were also advised to reduce foods high in omega-6, such as chips, cookies, mayonnaise, and other fried or processed foods.
These participants also took fish oil capsules to further increase their omega-3 intake, while the other group received no dietary advice or supplements.
The researchers monitored changes in a biomarker called the Ki-67 index, which indicates how quickly cancer cells are multiplying – a key predictor of cancer progression, metastasis and survival.
The analysis showed that after one year, the group with a diet low in omega-6 and rich in omega-3 had a 15% decrease in the Ki-67 index, while the control group saw a 24% increase.
“This is an important step toward understanding how diet can potentially affect prostate cancer outcomes,” said Dr. William Aronson, Professor of Urology at UCLA and lead author of the study. – reports GazetaExpress.
"Many men are interested in lifestyle changes, including diet, to help manage cancer and prevent its progression.
"Our findings suggest that something as simple as adjusting your diet could slow cancer growth and extend the time before more aggressive interventions."
While the results are promising, the researchers found no differences in other markers of cancer growth, which are commonly used to monitor the progression of prostate cancer.
The results of the study were published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. /Express newspaper/
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