Men Treated for Localized Prostate Cancer Could Benefit From Pomegranate Juice Consumption

Men Treated for Localized Prostate Cancer Could Benefit From Pomegranate Juice
Consumption

LINTHICUM, Md., April 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pomegranate juice may slow
the progression of post-treatment prostate cancer recurrence, according to new
long-term research results being presented at the 104th Annual Scientific
Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA). Researchers found that
men who have undergone treatment for localized prostate cancer could benefit
from drinking pomegranate juice.

The two-stage clinical trial followed a total of 48 participants over six
years. Eligible participants had a rising PSA after surgery or radiotherapy, a
PSA greater than 0.2 ng/ml and less than 5 ng/ml and a Gleason score of 7 or
less. These patients were treated by drinking eight ounces of pomegranate
juice daily. Currently, in the sixth year of treatment, active patients who
remain on the study have a median total follow-up of 56 months. These
participants continue to experience a significant increase in PSA doubling
time following treatment, from a mean of 15.4 months at baseline to 60 months
post-treatment, with a median PSA slope decrease of 60 percent, 0.06 to 0.024.

Researchers compared active patients, who remain on the study, with non-active
patients, who no longer remain on the study. Though these two groups
demonstrated similar mean PSA doubling times at baseline, both the PSA
doubling time prolongation and the decline in median PSA slope were greater in
active patients when compared to non-active patients.

"This study suggests that pomegranate juice may effectively slow the
progression of prostate cancer after unsuccessful treatment," said Christopher
Amling, MD, an AUA spokesman. "This finding and other ongoing research might
one day reveal that pomegranate juice is an effective prostate cancer
preventative agent as well."

Parts of this ongoing study suggest that some patients may be more sensitive
to the effects of pomegranate juice on PSA doubling time. Phase three of this
study is currently underway to further evaluate the benefits of pomegranate
juice in a placebo-controlled manner.

NOTE TO REPORTERS: Experts are available to discuss these studies outside
normal briefing times. To arrange an interview with an expert, please contact
the AUA Communications Office at the number below or e-mail Lacey Dean at
LDean@AUAnet.org.

Pantuck, A; Zomorodian, N; Rettig, M; Aronson, W; Heber, D; Belldegrun, A.
Long term follow up of phase 2 study of pomegranate juice for men with
prostate cancer shows durable prolongation of PSA doubling time. J Urol,
suppl. 2009: 181, 4, abstract 826.

About the American Urological Association: Founded in 1902 and headquartered
near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is the
pre-eminent professional organization for urologists, with more than 16,000
members throughout the world. An educational nonprofit organization, the AUA
pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care by
carrying out a wide variety of programs for members and their patients.

MEDIA CONTACTS: AUA Media Relations (on-site): 312-528-8253
Wendy Isett (cell): 410-977-4770

SOURCE American Urological Association

AUA Media Relations (on-site): +1-312-528-8253, Wendy Isett of American
Urological Association, (cell): +1-410-977-4770