New Delhi: A new study claims that a diet low in omega-6 and high in omega-3 fatty acids, combined with fish oil supplements, can significantly slow the growth of prostate cancer cells in men with early-stage disease. The research, conducted by the University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences, suggests that adjusting one's diet could play a crucial role in managing cancer growth in patients who are being monitored for cancer but have not yet started medical treatment.

Study design and method

To determine whether diet or supplements can help manage prostate cancer, researchers conducted a clinical trial involving 100 men with low-risk or favourable intermediate-risk prostate cancer. These men had chosen active surveillance, meaning they were being monitored regularly but had not yet begun medical interventions. 

The participants were randomly divided into two groups. One group followed a low omega-6, high omega-3 diet, supplemented with fish oil capsules, for one year. They also received personalised dietary counseling to help balance their intake of omega-6 and omega-3 fats. The other group, the control group, continued their normal diet and did not take fish oil supplements or receive dietary counseling.

Results and findings

The results showed that the group that followed the omega-3 rich diet and took fish oil supplements had a 15 percent decrease in the Ki-67 index. The Ki-67 index measures how quickly cancer cells are multiplying and is a key indicator of cancer progression, metastasis, and survival. In contrast, the control group had a 24 percent increase in their Ki-67 index.

Dr. William Aronson, Professor of Urology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, said, “Dietary changes may help slow cancer growth, potentially delaying or even preventing the need for more aggressive treatments.”

He also pointed out that adjusting the diet could help extend the time before more intensive medical interventions are necessary.

While the findings are promising, Dr. Aronson cautioned that more research is needed to confirm the long-term benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and reducing omega-6 intake in managing prostate cancer.

"Something as simple as adjusting your diet could potentially slow cancer growth," he noted, but further studies are required to understand how these changes might impact prostate cancer treatment in the long run.

(Agency inputs)