The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has initiated a groundbreaking study exploring how diet may influence the development and treatment of prostate cancer. Led by Nima Sharifi, M.D., and Sanoj Punnen, M.D., from the Desai Sethi Urology Institute, the research aims to provide insights into how specific dietary choices affect both individuals at risk for prostate cancer and those already diagnosed with the condition.
Study Focus: Diet and Prostate Cancer
This study could help uncover the potential effects of dietary changes on prostate cancer patients. It also aims to address the side effects associated with standard treatments for prostate cancer. According to Dr. Punnen, a professor at Miller School of Medicine, many patients often inquire about lifestyle or dietary changes that could improve their outcomes. However, it is difficult to quantify the impact of such changes.
“Men frequently ask if there are any diet changes that can enhance their results. While these changes are likely beneficial, it is tough to measure how much of a difference they make,” said Dr. Punnen, who is also the vice chair of research at the Desai Sethi Urology Institute.
Bridging the Gap in Research
The study was developed in response to the need for more individualized research on prostate cancer prevention and treatment. While population-level data on prostate cancer exists, it is difficult to establish clear links between cancer development and dietary habits due to the vast variety of diets men follow.
Dr. Sharifi, scientific director at the Desai Sethi Urology Institute, emphasized the urgency of understanding the true effects of different diets on prostate cancer. “Men follow various diets, and we need to understand how these diets impact both benign and cancerous prostate tissue,” he said. The study aims to closely examine how diet affects tumors or tissue at risk of becoming cancerous.
Comparing Low-Fat and Low-Carbohydrate Diets
The research team will compare the effects of low-fat and low-carbohydrate diets on both benign and cancerous prostate tissue. This approach is based on shifting dietary recommendations over the years, where fat was once considered the primary concern but carbohydrates and sugars are now seen as more significant contributors to risks like cardiovascular disease.
“We once thought fat was the main issue, but now it seems that carbohydrates and sugars are more concerning, especially in terms of cardiovascular health and metabolic processes,” said Dr. Sharifi. “However, we still do not fully understand how these dietary factors affect normal prostate tissue or prostate cancer itself.”
Study Methodology: Diet Intervention and Tissue Analysis
The study will enroll men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer, who are scheduled for radical prostatectomy surgery. During the two-week period between diagnosis and surgery, participants will follow a carefully prepared low-fat or low-carbohydrate diet. After surgery, the research team will analyze the effects of the diet on surgically removed benign and cancerous prostate tissue.
By examining the tissue after the dietary intervention, the team hopes to learn more about how diet impacts cancer cells at the tissue level, and gain insights into the mechanisms through which these dietary interventions work.
Potential Impact on Prostate Cancer Treatment
Beyond its effects on cancer, Dr. Sharifi also hopes that dietary interventions may help reduce the side effects of standard prostate cancer treatments. For men with advanced prostate cancer, hormonal therapy, which lowers testosterone levels, is a common treatment. However, this therapy can lead to significant metabolic issues, such as increased fat and decreased muscle and bone mass. Dietary changes could potentially mitigate these side effects and improve the overall quality of life for patients.
Once the effects of different diets are better understood, the next step will be to explore how dietary modifications can reduce risks or improve treatment outcomes. Dr. Sharifi hopes this research will eventually lead to clear dietary recommendations for both men at risk for prostate cancer and those who have already been diagnosed with the disease.
“We need rigorous studies to understand exactly how diet affects cancer cells in humans. While animal studies are valuable, the ultimate goal is to understand its impact on human health,” Dr. Sharifi concluded.
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