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Herbal supplement PC-Spes for prostate cancer
1Provincial Systemic Therapy Program, British Columbia Cancer Agency, 600 W. 10th Ave., Vancouver V5Z 4E6, British Columbia, Canada. mdelemos@bccancer.bc.ca
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|April 30, 2002
Summary
The herbal supplement PC-Spes showed some efficacy in prostate cancer patients, potentially through estrogenic activity. However, its use is limited due to toxicity concerns and insufficient data for replacing standard therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Herbal Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Prostate cancer management often involves androgen suppression therapy.
- Alternative and complementary therapies are explored for prostate cancer treatment.
- PC-Spes is an herbal supplement with reported effects on prostate cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of PC-Spes in individuals with prostate cancer.
- To understand the potential mechanisms of action for PC-Spes in prostate cancer.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted.
- Databases searched included MEDLINE and PubMed.
- Relevant abstracts from the American Society of Clinical Oncology meetings were reviewed.
Main Results:
- PC-Spes demonstrated biochemical and clinical responses in some prostate cancer patients.
- The herb's mechanism of action appears linked to its estrogenic properties.
- Toxicity profile was comparable to androgen suppression and estrogen therapy.
Conclusions:
- PC-Spes exhibits some efficacy in prostate cancer patients.
- It is not recommended as a replacement for standard androgen suppression therapy.
- Potential role for advanced disease after treatment failure, excluding patients with bleeding or thromboembolism risks.