Research shows pomegranate juice may slow PSA doubling time in some men with prostate cancer.
According to a new study presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association, pomegranate juice may benefit prostate cancer patients by inhibiting cancer recurrence.
The study followed 48 participants for over six years. Participants had to have a Gleason score of 7 or less, as well as a PSA score greater than 0.2 ng/mL and less than 5 ng/mL, that was rising after radiotherapy or surgery.
Participants drank eight ounces of pomegranate juice every day. Patients who continue to drink pomegranate juice show a longer PSA doubling time when compared to the men who no longer participate in the study, even though these two groups had comparable PSA doubling times at the study’s start.
Dr. Christopher Amling, a spokesperson for the American Urological Association, finds the results promising. “This study suggests that pomegranate juice may effectively slow the progression of prostate cancer after unsuccessful treatment,” he says.
It has been suggested that some patients may be more responsive to pomegranate juice than others. A third phase of this study is being conducted to further explore the role of pomegranates.
For the full story: Pantuck, et al. The Journal of Urology (2009, April 30) Long term follow up of phase 2 study of pomegranate juice for men with prostate cancer shows durable prolongation of PSA doubling time