A low omega-6, omega-3 rich diet and fish oil may slow prostate cancer growth

A recent study conducted by UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers suggests that dietary changes could potentially reduce cancer cell growth in patients undergoing active surveillance, a treatment method involving regular cancer monitoring without immediate intervention.

The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, revealed that a diet low in omega-6 and high in omega-3 fatty acids, along with fish oil supplements, significantly slowed the growth rate of prostate cancer cells in men with early-stage disease.

Dr. William Aronson, the study’s first author and a Professor of Urology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, emphasized the importance of understanding how diet can impact prostate cancer outcomes. He stated, “Our findings suggest that simple dietary adjustments could potentially delay the need for more aggressive treatments, providing men with more time before such interventions are necessary.”

Many men with low-risk prostate cancer opt for active surveillance initially. However, approximately 50% of these men end up requiring therapy within five years. As a result, patients are seeking ways to postpone the need for treatment, including through dietary modifications or supplements.

While previous studies have explored the impact of increased vegetable intake and healthy diet patterns on cancer progression, no significant effects have been observed. To investigate the role of diet and supplements in managing prostate cancer, the UCLA-led team conducted a clinical trial, CAPFISH-3, involving 100 men with low or favorable intermediate risk prostate cancer undergoing active surveillance.

Participants were randomly assigned to either maintain their regular diet or follow a low omega-6, high omega-3 diet supplemented with fish oil for one year. Those in the intervention group received personalized dietary counseling to achieve a better balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fats, along with fish oil capsules. The control group did not receive dietary counseling or fish oil supplements.

The researchers monitored changes in the Ki-67 index, a biomarker indicating the rate of cancer cell multiplication, which is crucial for predicting cancer progression and survival. Biopsies were taken at the beginning and end of the study to assess these changes.

The results showed that the group following the low omega-6, omega-3 rich diet with fish oil experienced a 15% decrease in the Ki-67 index, while the control group saw a 24% increase. Dr. Aronson highlighted the significance of these findings, suggesting that dietary changes could potentially slow cancer growth and delay the need for aggressive treatments.

Although promising, the researchers did not observe differences in other cancer growth markers, such as Gleason grade. They emphasize the need for further research to confirm the long-term benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and reduced omega-6 in managing prostate cancer.