Gut Health and Prostate Cancer

Boosting gut health and phytochemicals slow prostate cancer progression

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New research shows a 42% decrease in PSA and an improvement in urinary symptoms among patients receiving a new phytochemical-rich food supplement and a novel probiotic capsule.

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The world’s first clinical trial exploring the impact of dietary interventions and strategies to enhance gut-friendly bacteria on prostate cancer progression has has been published. This landmark UK study, led by a team from Bedford and Addenbrooke’s Cambridge University Hospitals,  finished a year ahead of schedule and gained recognition at the prestigious ASCO Urology conference, awarded a rare and prestigious oral presentation. The talk was delivered by the chief investigator Professor Robert Thomas  on behalf the scientific team which included oncologist, urologist and nutritionalist from Cambridge, London, The University of Southern California and Australia.

The gut microbiome, home to trillions of beneficial bacteria, plays a critical role in immunity, inflammation control, and overall health. These friendly partners, which improve our daily wellbeing and help prevent many chronic diseases are now being harnessed by scientists to fight prostate cancer.

This double blind randomised controlled trial study, had a novel design which was largely advised by men living with prostate cancer themselves. All participants  were given a new, specifically deigned phytochemical / polyphenol rich food capsule which utilised the next generation of food technology and safety, instead of using an existing blend.

This nutraceutical supplement, now know as  Yourphyto  still contains the same quantities of pomegranate, broccoli, green tea and turmeric, shown to be beneficial in the original study, but it has been significantly improved and upgraded. This included a process which detected and excluded contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides as well as measured and standardisation of the candidate phytochemicals, ensuring each batch maintained its consistency, effectiveness and safety. What’s more, traditionally, supplements either have extracts of plants or dried whole plants – uniquely, this new supplement has both. This, not only, ensures an even wider spectrum of synergistically acting natural elements from the whole plant, it significantly increases levels of the most active phytochemicals responsible for the health benefits.  Since 2013 other foods have also been shown to benefit men with prostate cancer, particularly cranberry and organic ginger, both of which have been added to this new design.  Cranberry has been shown to reduce markers of disease progression and help urinary urgency, especially if combined with other anti-inflammatory foods such as these. Ginger, helps with digestion and gut health and is a known bioenhancer, meaning it promotes the absorption of healthy phytochemicals from other plants. In addition, as this capsule was specifically made for a national medical trial,  the ethical committee insisted on a level of quality assurance unprecedented in supplement manufacturing.

The trial was led by the same team of doctors and nutritional scientists from Bedford and Addenbrooke’s Cambridge University Hospitals who conducted a similar study 14 years ago. Men with progressive prostate cancer were given the opportunity to try these nutritional interventions before considering radical treatments or hormone therapies, which have significant risks and toxicities which impact quality of life.

Phytochemicals and probiotics work together: Phytochemicals have numerous modes of actions. They reduce chronic disease by dampening down excess inflammation and supporting anti-oxidative pathways which protect our DNA from by-products of energy production and toxic chemicals. They improve vitamin D absorption, directly slow the growth of cancer cells and act as prebiotics which helps support healthy bacterial growth and hence improve gut wall integrity. It is not a surprise that laboratory studies show they also help the colonisation of beneficial probiotic bacteria after oral consumption. In return, probiotic bacteria assist the breakdown of larger phytochemicals to more biologically active components.

In this study, the average age of the men was 68 years. They all had histologically confirmed prostate cancer and were not taking hormones therapies. Some were managed with active surveillance and others were experiencing a PSA relapse post radiotherapy or surgery. After all men were given Yourphyto, they were then randomised to receive either a placebo or a capsule containing probiotics with similar packaging to make them look the same – a process called blinding which removes potential bias.

YourGutPlus

The probiotic capsules, now commercially known as yourgutplus+, contain 5 non-histamine inducing, lactose secreting lactobacillus bacterial strain, combined with a 1000iu of vitamin D and a good quantity of a prebiotic called inulin, made from chicory. It has a delayed release vegan capsule and no artificial preservatives, colours, and sweeteners which could have adversely affect bacteria growth. The aim of this supplement is to shift the profile of bacteria in the gut from an inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory profile. Reassuringly, it was proven to be safe and beneficial in two previous covid studies.

The results

PSA: In men randomised to receive the phytochemical-rich supplement on its own (placebo group), the PSA doubling time was 19 months during the 4 months before the study began, and it slowed three fold to 62 months after the start of the trial. This indicated a good response to the phytochemical rich supplement.

In the men randomised to receive both the phytochemical-rich supplement plus the probiotic supplement, there was a highly significant, 42%, decrease in PSA progression after the start of the trial. This meant that, for most men, despite PSA increasing before the trial, levels actually fell after the combine intervention – Indicating a major further effect of combining the specific probiotic blend to the phytochemicals.

MRI: Reassuringly, an analysis of MRI changes, which is ongoing, showed stable disease for most men, although 5 showed disease regression, and 9 showed progression. All patients who demonstrated progression on MRI also had PSA progression suggesting no PSA masking effect but a genuine effect on the tumour itself.

Trial impact: Before the trial, the average PSA was doubling over 19 months (PSA doubling time) so men were contemplating leaving active surveillance for hormones, surgery or radiotherapy which have significant side effects. In view of the stabilising or falling PSA (supported by MRI), only 9 men actually decided to opt for radical treatments (8 in the placebo group and 1 in the probiotic group) after the trial.

About these supplements: Men in the trial received these supplements free of charge, however, because they are classed as food supplements, not drugs, they cannot be prescribed by doctors despite this formal medical evaluation. All men were given a post-trial diet and lifestyle sheet with advice on how to improve gut health and phytochemical food intake.  In addition and fortunately, since the end of the study the manufactures have made them available via their websites; Yourphyto.com and Yourgutplus.com.