Prostate Cancer - Supplements

About this treatment

What Are "Star" Ratings?

a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

Supplement	Amount	Why
Green Tea	Several cups per day (enough to provide 600 mg of catechins daily)	Drinking green tea or taking green tea catechins may help prevent prostate cancer in men at high risk of developing the disease.
Green Tea Several cups per day (enough to provide 600 mg of catechins daily) In a double-blind trial, men with precancerous changes in the prostate received a green tea extract providing 600 mg of catechins per day or a placebo for one year. After one year, prostate cancer had developed in 3.3% of the men receiving the green tea extract and in 30% of those given the placebo, a statistically significant difference.²⁶ These results suggest that drinking green tea or taking green tea catechins may help prevent prostate cancer in men at high risk of developing the disease. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Lycopene	For symptoms: 15 mg twice per day; for prevention: 4 mg twice per day	Supplementing with lycopene may help slow down aggressive growth of prostate cancer.
Lycopene For symptoms: 15 mg twice per day; for prevention: 4 mg twice per day In a preliminary trial, 26 men with prostate cancer were randomly assigned to receive lycopene (15 mg twice a day) or no lycopene for three weeks before undergoing prostate surgery. Prostate tissue was then obtained during surgery and examined. Compared with the unsupplemented men, those receiving lycopene were found to have significantly less aggressive growth of cancer cells.²⁷ In addition, a case report has been published of a 62-year-old man with advanced prostate cancer who experienced a regression of his tumor after starting 10 mg of lycopene per day and 300 mg of saw palmetto three times per day. As saw palmetto has not been previously associated with improvements in prostate cancer, the authors of the report attributed the response to the lycopene.²⁸ In a preliminary trial, supplementation with 4 mg of lycopene twice a day for one year reduced the incidence of prostate cancer in men with precancerous changes in their prostate glands.²⁹ Long-term controlled studies are needed to confirm these promising initial reports. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
PC-SPES	Take only under medical supervision	In several trials, PC-SPES has been shown to reduce blood levels of a marker for prostate cancer progression in men with prostate cancer. PC-SPES should never be taken without the close supervision of a doctor.
PC-SPES Take only under medical supervision Warning: PC-SPES has been reported to cause serious side effects, including potentially life-threatening blood clots. PC-SPES should never be taken without the close supervision of a doctor. PC-SPES is not for sale is certain parts of the world. “PC” in this formula’s name stands for prostate cancer, while “SPES” is the Latin word for hope. The complete formula consists of isatis (Isatis indigotica), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and/or Gan cao (G. uralensis), Chinese scullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) or sanqi ginseng (P. pseudoginseng), denodrantherm (Denodrantherma morifolium), and rabdosia (Rabdosia rubescens). In several preliminary trials, this formula has been shown to reduce blood levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA, a marker for prostate cancer progression) in men with prostate cancer.³⁰ ^{, 31} ^{, 32} ^{, 33} ^{, 34} While such a reduction suggests a therapeutic effect, trials have yet to explore whether PC-SPES increases survival in people with prostate cancer. One trial distinguished prostate cancer patients with androgen-dependent (an earlier, milder form of the cancer) and androgen-independent (a later, more severe form of the cancer) disease.³⁵ PSA scores began to decline in most people within two to six weeks after first receiving PC-SPES. Scores reached their lowest point in an average of 23 weeks in men with androgen-dependent prostate cancer and 16 weeks in men with androgen-independent prostate cancer. PSA scores declined an average of 80% and became undetectable in four out of every five men with androgen-dependent disease. In contrast, 54% of androgen-independent prostate cancer patients had a PSA decline of 50% or more. After an average of about one year, 31 of 32 androgen-dependent prostate cancer patients continued to have normal PSA scores. However, 28 of the 35 patients with androgen-independent prostate cancer ultimately developed PSA increases consistent with progression of their cancer, despite continued use of PC-SPES. Improvement or disappearance of cancer was seen in four patients who had previously had cancer spread to the bone, as well as in one patient who had previously had cancer spread to the bladder. Rarely, PSA levels have risen slightly (less than 20%) during PC-SPES use, according to other studies.³⁶ Testosterone levels are almost always decreased by PC-SPES therapy, according to most studies, which presumably accounts, in part, for the therapeutic effect.³⁷ ^{, 38} Many men who take the formula have been reported to develop symptoms of estrogen excess, including breast tenderness, enlargement of the breasts, loss of libido, and the more serious problem of blood clots in the veins (venous thrombosis).³⁹ ^{, 40} ^{, 41} At least one person who took PC-SPES developed a potentially life-threatening blood clot in the lung. For this reason, some doctors recommend that people taking PC-SPES also take blood-thinning medication, such as heparin or warfarin (Coumadin®).⁴² ^{, 43} However, each of these drugs can cause excessive bleeding. Because of the potential side effects of PC-SPES and the complex medical issues involved with the use of blood-thinning drugs, people should never take PC-SPES without the close supervision of a doctor. The amount of PC-SPES used in most studies was 320 to 960 mg three times per day.⁴⁴ ^{, 45} ^{, 46} In February 2002, the sole supplier of PC-SPES in the United States (BotanicLab) issued a recall of the product after the California Health Department reported it contained warfarin, a prescription drug that can cause severe bleeding. However, PC-SPES is known to contain compounds that, though distinct from warfarin, could potentially be mistakenly identified as warfarin using currently available laboratory methods.⁴⁷ There has been one case report of excessive bleeding occurring in a man who was taking PC-SPES. ⁴⁸ However, the warfarin concentration in this patient’s blood was not high enough to explain his abnormal bleeding. In addition, allegations have been made that PC-SPES contains small amounts of a synthetic estrogen (diethylstilbestrol; DES). That claim has been disputed by BotanicLab. Although additional information is needed to determine whether PC-SPES has been adulterated with one or more prescription drugs, at the time of this writing (February 2003) the product is not available in the United States.

Supplement	Amount	Why
Selenium	200 mcg daily	Selenium has been reported to have diverse anticancer actions. Supplementing with this mineral may decrease your prostate cancer risk.
Selenium 200 mcg daily Selenium has been reported to have diverse anticancer actions.⁴⁹^{, 50} Selenium inhibits cancer in animals.⁵¹ Low soil levels of selenium (probably associated with low dietary intake), have been associated with increased cancer incidence in humans.⁵² Blood levels of selenium have been reported to be low in patients with prostate cancer.⁵³ In preliminary reports, people with the lowest blood levels of selenium had between 3.8 and 5.8 times the risk of dying from cancer compared with those who had the highest selenium levels.⁵⁴^{, 55} The strongest evidence supporting the anticancer effects of selenium supplementation comes from a double-blind trial of 1,312 Americans with a history of skin cancer who were treated with 200 mcg of yeast-based selenium per day or placebo for 4.5 years and then followed for an additional two years.⁵⁶ Although no decrease in skin cancers occurred, a dramatic 50% reduction in overall cancer deaths and a 37% reduction in total cancer incidence were observed. A statistically significant 63% decrease in prostate cancer incidence was reported.⁵⁷ However, in a follow-up double-blind trial that included 35,533 healthy men, supplementing with 200 mcg per day of selenium for an average of 5.5 years had no effect on the incidence of prostate cancer.⁵⁸ In another trial, 5,141 men were randomly assigned to receive a placebo or a daily supplement containing 100 mcg of selenium, 120 mg of vitamin C, 30 IU of vitamin E, 6 mg of beta-carotene, and 20 mg of zinc 20 for eight years. Among men with a normal PSA level at the start of the study, there was a statistically significant 48% reduction in the incidence of prostate cancer. Among men with an initially elevated PSA level, the supplemented group had an increased incidence of prostate cancer that was not statistically significant.⁵⁹ In a double-blind study of men who already had non-metastatic prostate cancer, supplementation with selenium 200 or 800 mcg per day for up to 5 years had no significant effect on the progression rate of the cancer.⁶⁰ What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

Supplement	Amount	Why
Vitamin E	50 IU daily	Supplementing with vitamin E may help lower prostate cancer risk, especially in smokers.
Vitamin E 50 IU daily Relatively high blood levels of vitamin E have been associated with relatively low levels of hormones linked to prostate cancer.⁶¹ While a relationship between higher blood levels of vitamin E and a reduced risk of prostate cancer has been reported only inconsistently,⁶² ^{, 63} supplemental use of vitamin E⁶⁴ has been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer in smokers. In a double-blind trial studying smokers, vitamin E supplementation (50 IU of vitamin E per day for an average of six years) led to a 32% decrease in prostate cancer incidence and a 41% decrease in prostate cancer deaths.⁶⁵ Both findings were statistically significant.⁶⁶ However, in a double-blind study of 35,533 healthy men, supplementing with 400 IU per day of vitamin E for an average of 5.5 years did not reduce the incidence of prostate cancer.⁶⁷ The effects of vitamin E have yet to be studied in men already diagnosed with prostate cancer. What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

Supplement	Amount	Why
Coenzyme Q10	600 mg daily	Supplementing with CoQ10 may reduce levels of PSA—a marker of cancer activity.
Coenzyme Q10 600 mg daily In an unpublished report, after one year, 10 of 15 prostate cancer patients experienced a 78% decrease in the level of PSA—a marker of cancer activity.⁶⁸ The amount of coenzyme Q10 given to these men was 600 mg per day; after four months, PSA scores began to decline.⁶⁹ Such undocumented case reports require confirmation from published research trials. What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

Supplement	Amount	Why
Conjugated Linoleic Acid	Refer to label instructions	Preliminary research suggests that CLA might reduce the risk of cancers at several sites, including breast, prostate, colorectal, lung, skin, and stomach.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid Preliminary animal and test tube research suggests that conjugated linoleic acid might reduce the risk of cancers at several sites, including breast, prostate, colorectal, lung, skin, and stomach.⁷⁰ ^{, 71} ^{, 72} ^{, 73} What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

Supplement	Amount	Why
Melatonin	Refer to label instructions	Melatonin may help stabilize the condition of some people with advanced cancers.
Melatonin Years ago, a preliminary study suggested that melatoninmay help stabilize the condition of some people with advanced cancers.⁷⁴ Since then, Italian researchers have been investigating the effects of melatonin in cancer patients, often with partial success.⁷⁵ ^{, 76} ^{, 77} ^{, 78} ^{, 79} ^{, 80} ^{, 81} ^{, 82} ^{, 83} ^{, 84} ^{, 85} ^{, 86} Patients with advanced prostate cancer who had previously not responded to drug therapy (triptorelin) were given melatonin plus triptorelin in a preliminary trial.⁸⁷ PSA scores, a marker of disease progression, fell (i.e., improved) more than 50% in 8 of 14 patients. Patients with advanced cancer have been reported to have improved survival and fewer side effects from taking chemotherapy when given melatonin plus chemotherapy vs. chemotherapy alone.⁸⁸ What Else Is This Supplement Used For? See Drug Interactions

Supplement	Amount	Why
Shiitake	Refer to label instructions	Lentinan, a carbohydrate in shiitake mushrooms, has been found to have beneficial effects on cancer patients’ immune systems, including improved longevity and survival rates.
Shiitake Several trials studying cancer patients have investigated the effects of lentinan, a carbohydrate found in shiitake (Lentinus edodes) mushrooms.⁸⁹ ^{, 90} ^{, 91} ^{, 92} Injection of lentinan repeatedly has been found to have beneficial effects on the immune systems of cancer patients.⁹³ ^{, 94} Two trials reported that lentinan injections prolonged life in people with a variety of advanced cancers.⁹⁵ ^{, 96} Another trial found that intravenous lentinan increased five-year survival rates in prostate cancer patients compared with those not given lentinan.⁹⁷ It is unknown whether consumption of shiitake mushrooms or lentinan supplements would have the same effects reported in studies using injectable lentinan. What Else Is This Supplement Used For?

References

Last Review: 05-11-2011

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.

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