Phytoestrogens and prostate cancer: possible preventive role.
Phytoestrogens are biologically active plant compounds with both oestrogenic and antioestrogenic actions, and communities whose diets are rich in phytoestrogens have a lower incidence of prostate cancer. A 66-year-old man took phytoestrogen 160 mg (4 x 40-mg tablets) daily for one week before radical prostatectomy for moderately high-grade adenocarcinoma. The resected specimen showed prominent apoptosis, typical of a response to high-dose oestrogen therapy and suggestive of tumour regression. There were no adverse side effects. Studies of the effects of phytoestrogens in prostate cancer may be warranted.
Stephens
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Sydney Melanoma/Surgical Oncology Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, NSW.
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D000368:Aged; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007529:Isoflavones; D008297:Male; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D028321:Plant Preparations; D011468:Prostatectomy; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control
D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; D007529:Isoflavones; D048789:Phytoestrogens; D028321:Plant Preparations