Genistein given in the diet inhibited the growth of human prostate cancer cells in mice. This suggests that some forms of omega-3 fatty acids may be more potent in cancer treatment than others. Human studies have also reported that natural compounds can affect prostate cancer or reduce the side effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. One combination of natural compounds that deserves mention is PC-SPES, a mixture of extracts from eight herbs. It was designed to treat prostate cancer and appears to act partly through an estrogenic action.
Side effects are minimal, other than estrogenic reactions, which can be significant.
This explanation, published in the International Journal of Oncology, supports the hypotheses proposed in Natural Compounds in Cancer Therapy . Other human studies also have been done. The above is only a summary of the many studies that have been done. Importantly, hundreds of other studies have been conducted on other cancers and the data that they provide is often relevant to prostate cancer. As important as studies specific to prostate cancer are, it is also crucial to understand the general mechanisms at play in cancer progression and the means by which these mechanisms can be thwarted.