Nutrition and prostate cancer: latest insights and practice recommendations

摘要

Prostate cancer is a growing epidemic worldwide and the sixth most common cause of death from cancers in men. Diet and lifestyle factors have been associated with prostate cancer risk, but limited evidence supports their effect on prostate cancer progression post diagnosis. The majority of clinical trials conducted studied men in the lowest severity category of ‘active surveillance’. A small number of studies show differences in the response to diet and/or lifestyle intervention depending on the severity of disease. There are inconsistencies in the quantities of intervention, nutrient/s provided, dietary intake methods, trial lengths and follow-up times. Interventions including substantial fat and energy restrictions risk nutrient deficiencies, particularly iron and zinc, and have inconsistent adherence rates. Dietary changes to modify nutrient profiles, for example, the ratio of n-3:n-6 fats, appear to have more potential than those that restrict specific food groups or macronutrients. Evidence suggests a combination of weight management and lycopene (30mg per day), soy isoflavones or flaxseed supplementation may contribute to delaying prostate cancer proliferation for men on ‘active surveillance’. Studies of these nutrients as adjunctive therapies to weight management interventions in men with locally advanced or advanced disease with metastases are needed to ascertain the effect on prognosis and quality of life.