Evidence of impact published in European Association of Urology journal

The link between prostate cancer and a healthy diet has long been explored but never established. But now a widely-publicised paper published by the journal of the European Association of Urology adds to the debate by providing evidence that eating certain vegetables and probiotics could slow progression of the disease.

A double-blind randomised controlled trial – led by academics from the University of Bedfordshire alongside a team from Cambridge University Hospital Trusts with scientists from the University of Southern California and Australia – evaluated the effect of boosting plant-based nutrients in the diet, combined with a probiotic supplement made of broccoli, turmeric, pomegranate, green tea, ginger and cranberry.

In the study of 212 men with prostate cancer and rising PSA levels at baseline, they found a significant slowing of PSA increase following dietary intake of these phytochemical-rich foods, which encourage the growth of healthy gut bacteria.

The researchers reported a 44% reduction in PSA progression – a key indicator of prostate cancer activity. They also noted these biochemical changes were backed up by MRI scans, which indicated physical changes and reduced tumour size, and other physical improvements in the men.

Writing in European Urology Oncology, lead author Robert Thomas, Consultant Oncologist at Bedford and Addenbrooke's Hospitals, claims the study shows, for the first time, “that improving the balance of bacteria in the gut can slow prostate cancer activity while also improving important aspects of men’s health such as urinary symptoms, inflammation and physical strength”.

The authors, and commentators responding to the research, have pointed to the need for larger studies to support the findings.