Since isoflavones are water soluble and must be taken twice a day to maintain optimal blood levels, we did not put this dose into one large capsule. We suggest, instead, taking one capsule in the morning and one in the evening, preferably with food. In fact the scientific literature makes a strong case that all cancer patients should take soy supplements. Treating cancer, however, is not simple, and some cancer patients are less likely to benefit from soy, while others should not use it at all. Cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy should not take soy supplements one week before, during, and one week after being treated.
Soy inhibits protein kinase C activity in cancer cells.
Since cancer cells use protein kinase C for energy production, inhibiting this enzyme is usually desirable. Radiation therapy, on the other hand, depends on protein kinase C to help generate free radicals that kill cancer cells. The Life Extension Foundation has obtained preliminary evidence about the types of cancer that soy extract may effectively combat and those it may not. One study was conducted to examine the effects of genistein on cancer cell growth factors such as protein kinase C. Genistein suppresses protein kinase C activity and the subsequent growth-stimulating incorporation of thymidine into cancer cells. The scientists speculated that genistein has potential value in the prevention and treatment of some tumors in the body.