Positive Health Online

Abstract

PHILIPPOU and COLLEAGUES, Department of Urology, East Surrey Hospital, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 5RH, UK a.rane@btinternet.com set out to provide an overview of the scientific and clinical studies underlying the most common vitamin and herbal preparations used in prostate and bladder cancer and evaluate the evidence behind them.

Background

The authors set out to provide an overview of the scientific and clinical studies underlying the most common vitamin and herbal preparations used in prostate and bladder cancer and evaluate the evidence behind them.

Methodology

A literature search was undertaken on PubMed using various keywords relating to the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in prostate and bladder cancer. Vitamin E and selenium supplementation can potentially have adverse effects by increasing the risk of prostate cancer. Initial clinical studies of pomegranate and green tea, investigating their chemotherapeutic properties in prostate and bladder cancer have yielded encouraging results.

Results

Curcumin, resveratrol, and silibinin have potential anticancer properties through multiple molecular targets; their clinical effectiveness in prostate and bladder cancer is yet to be evaluated. Zyflamend, like PC-SPES, is a combined CAM therapy used in prostate cancer. Acupuncture is popular among patients experiencing hot flushes who are receiving androgen-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer.

Conclusion

Conclusive evidence for the use of CAM in prostate and bladder cancer is lacking and not without risk.

References

Philippou Y, Hadjipavlou M, Khan S, Rane A. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in prostate and bladder cancer. BJU Int. 112(8):1073-9. doi: 10.1111/bju.12062. Dec 2013.

Comment

Further clinical research is needed to confirm efficacy of herbal preparations of curcumin, resveratrol and silibinin in prostate and bladder cancer.