Grape seed extract—a dietary supplement made from the seeds of wine grapes—has long been studied for its potential health benefits, including reducing blood cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. But a new study has raised the question of whether grape seed extract could also slow down the growth of prostate cancer in men who have already undergone treatment.
Dr. Paul Maroni, an associate professor at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, recently led a Phase II clinical trial to investigate the effects of grape seed extract on certain cases of recurrent prostate cancer. The results of the study were presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research and are set to be published in the journal Cancer Research.
Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer among men in the United States, with an estimated 314,000 new diagnoses expected this year. While the disease is highly treatable, it remains the second leading cause of cancer death among American men. Treatment options for prostate cancer vary depending on the severity of the disease, with some patients undergoing surgery or radiation therapy.
For patients with recurrent prostate cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body, doctors often monitor the disease before starting hormone therapy. In these cases, Dr. Maroni and his team wanted to explore whether grape seed extract could help slow down the progression of prostate cancer during this waiting period.
The Phase II trial involved 41 men with recurrent prostate cancer whose PSA levels were rising slowly. The patients were given 150 mg of grape seed extract twice daily for up to 12 months. The results showed that the extract was well tolerated by the patients and led to a significant increase in PSA doubling time, indicating slower cancer growth in the majority of participants.
While the findings are promising, Dr. Maroni emphasizes that further research is needed to confirm the results. He cautions against using grape seed extract as a treatment for prostate cancer without consulting a healthcare provider, as more studies are necessary to determine its effectiveness.
In conclusion, grape seed extract shows potential as a supplement for slowing down prostate cancer progression in some patients. However, it is important to approach this treatment option with caution and seek guidance from a medical professional before incorporating it into a cancer treatment plan.
