Email a Friend
Print ArticleProstate Cancer Health Center
This article is from the WebMD News Archive
High-Carb Diet, Bigger Prostate Tumor?
Nov. 27, 2007 -- New research links a high-carbohydrate diet to bigger prostate cancers.
Canadian scientists reported that news today in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
The findings are based on lab tests in mice. But the researchers argue that their findings hint at possible benefits for men with prostate cancer.
In the study, scientists injected human prostate cancer cells into 40 male mice and split the mice into two groups:
- High-carbohydrate diet loaded with the sugars dextrin and sucrose
- Low-carbohydrate diet
Both diets were high in fat and provided the same number of calories by cutting protein on the high-carb diet.
The mice kept their assigned diets for nine weeks. By the end of the study, the mice on the high-carb diet had prostate tumors that were 45% bigger than the mice on the low-carb diet.
The mice on the high-carb diet also gained 15% more weight than the mice on the low-carb diet.
That extra weight gain came with higher blood levels of insulin (a hormone that controls blood sugar) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (a protein that spurs cell growth).
The findings support the idea that diets that reduce insulin level "may have benefits for prostate cancer patients," especially those with high insulin levels, write the researchers.
They included Vasundara Venkateswaran, PhD, of the urology division at Toronto's Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
But more research is needed to confirm that theory. For instance, Venkateswaran's team doesn't know what effect protein consumption had on the mice's tumors.
Earlier this month, other researchers reported that a no-carbohydrate diet might slow prostate cancer growth -- at least in mice.
But people eat differently from mice, and none of the researchers is telling people to nix carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates come in many forms, including vegetables, fruits, and whole grains -- foods that are staples of a healthy diet. The mouse studies -- which didn't track long-term effects -- don't change those guidelines.
del.icio.us
Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate
Sheldon Marks, MD, explains nearly everything you need to know about an enlarged prostate but were afraid to ask.
Most Popular
