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Soy isoflavones in the treatment of prostate cancer

Maha Hussain1, Mousumi Banerjee, Fazlul H Sarkar

  • 1Division of Hematology and Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.

Nutrition and Cancer
|April 17, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Soy isoflavones may stabilize prostate cancer (Pca) progression in some patients. This pilot study observed a decreased rate of rise in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels after supplementation, particularly in hormone-sensitive Pca.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Epidemiological studies indicate a potential inverse relationship between soy consumption and prostate cancer (Pca) risk.
  • Previous in vitro research demonstrated that soy isoflavone genistein inhibits Pca cell growth and induces apoptosis.
  • A clinical investigation was warranted to explore the effects of soy isoflavones on Pca in patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the clinical efficacy of soy isoflavone supplementation in patients with rising prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
  • To evaluate the impact of soy isoflavones on PSA kinetics across different stages of Pca.
  • To determine the feasibility and safety of oral soy isoflavone supplementation in a Pca patient cohort.

Main Methods:

  • A pilot study enrolled 41 patients with Pca and rising PSA levels, categorized into three groups based on disease status and treatment.
  • Participants received 100 mg of soy isoflavone (Novasoy) orally twice daily for 3 to 6 months.
  • Serum PSA levels, genistein and daidzein concentrations, and other relevant biomarkers were monitored throughout the study period.

Main Results:

  • While no complete or partial responses were observed, PSA stabilization occurred in 83% of hormone-sensitive and 35% of hormone-refractory Pca patients.
  • A statistically significant decrease in the overall rate of PSA rise was noted across all patient groups (P = 0.01).
  • Serum levels of genistein and daidzein significantly increased during supplementation, confirming bioavailability, with no significant changes in testosterone or IGF-1 levels.

Conclusions:

  • Soy isoflavone supplementation may offer a beneficial effect in managing prostate cancer progression, particularly by stabilizing PSA levels.
  • The intervention demonstrated a reduction in the rate of PSA increase, suggesting a potential role in slowing disease advancement.
  • Further research with larger cohorts is recommended to confirm these findings and elucidate the precise mechanisms of action for soy isoflavones in Pca treatment.

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