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An Integrative Approach to Prostate Cancer.

Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.)
January 1, 2018
Donald I Abrams
Journal ArticleReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers reviewed dietary interventions, including avoiding dairy, to alter the trajectory of prostate cancer.

Results Summary

The study suggests avoiding dairy products as part of a plant-based, antioxidant-rich diet for prostate cancer patients, though specific adverse effects of dairy are not detailed.

Population

Men diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (7)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
plant-based antioxidant-rich diet with an emphasis on cruciferous vegetables, tomatoes, soy, pomegranate, and marine omega 3 fatty acids while avoiding saturated fats, including dairy products
decrease
disease trajectory
men with prostate cancer
-
is the best option
#1
Supplementation with vitamin D3, omega 3, and some nutraceutical-based preparations
decrease
disease trajectory
men with prostate cancer
-
may be advised
#2
vitamin E and selenium supplements
no change
disease trajectory
men with prostate cancer
-
prudent to avoid
#3
Physical activity
increase
bone strength, body habitus, overall wellbeing
men diagnosed with all stages of prostate cancer
-
has been shown to have multiple benefits
#4
Yoga
increase
health and wellbeing
prostate cancer patients and their caregivers
-
has been shown to have a salutogenic effect
#5
Traditional Chinese Medicine
decrease
side effects of conventional treatments, especially the hot flashes associated with androgen deprivation therapy
prostate cancer patients
-
may be particularly useful in managing
#6
Mind-body interventions to reduce stress, including mindfulness-based stress reduction and support groups
decrease
stress
men with prostate cancer
-
may be useful adjunctive therapies
#7
Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The mostly indolent natural history and long overall survival associated with a diagnosis of prostate cancer provides a unique opportunity for men to explore diet and lifestyle interventions to alter the trajectory of their disease. As many patients may be appropriate for postponing conventional therapy, the effects of various integrative interventions can be investigated. In addition, treatment of prostate cancer with surgery, radiation, or androgen deprivation therapy, all may produce physical or psychological side effects that could be amenable to complementary therapies. This article serves to review salient information in the published literature. DESIGN: A review of published research was conducted. RESULTS: A plant-based antioxidant-rich diet with an emphasis on cruciferous vegetables, tomatoes, soy, pomegranate, and marine omega 3 fatty acids while avoiding saturated fats, including dairy products is the best option. Supplementation with vitamin D3, omega 3, and some nutraceutical-based preparations may be advised. It is likely prudent to avoid vitamin E and selenium supplements. Physical activity has been shown to have multiple benefits in men diagnosed with all stages of prostate cancer from strengthening bones, improving body habitus, and enhancing overall wellbeing. Yoga, combining physical activity with a mind-body component, has been shown to have a salutogenic effect in both prostate cancer patients and their caregivers. Traditional Chinese Medicine may be particularly useful in managing side effects of conventional treatments, especially the hot flashes associated with androgen deprivation therapy. Although the long natural history, availability of a useful blood marker of disease progression and prolonged survival are overall positive features, they also combine to allow men to live for a long time with diagnosed cancer, fear of progression, or recurrence and fixation on changes in their prostate-specific antigen level. The resultant stress can be deleterious to general health as well as possibly the natural history of their disease. Mind-body interventions to reduce stress, including mindfulness-based stress reduction and support groups may be useful adjunctive therapies. CONCLUSION: Men with prostate cancer may benefit from lifestyle and complementary interventions integrated with their conventional care.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
Acupuncture TherapyDiet TherapyDietary SupplementsExerciseHumansIntegrative MedicineIntegrative OncologyMaleProstatic Neoplasms
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy20/10
Quality75/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations11
Citations/Year1.6
Relative Citation Ratio0.49
NIH Percentile26.7%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.25
Weight Score1.96
Normalized Score0.43
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