ProHealth.com
February 11, 2012
Source: Thomas Jefferson University news release, Feb 10, 2012
Curcumin, an active component of the Indian curry spice turmeric, may help the body slow tumor growth in prostate cancer patients whose cancers become resistant to androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), a study by researchers at Thomas Jefferson University suggests.
The situation in these patients is that, over time, prostate cancer cells can start to become resistant to hormonal therapies designed to block the release and/or uptake of androgen (testosterone), which is an important male hormone in the development and progression of prostate cancer: Two known nuclear receptor activators, p300 and CPB (or CREB1-binding protein), have been shown to work against androgen deprivation therapy, and with their help, sophisticated tumor cells sometimes bypass the therapy (become ADT resistant).
But the TJU team, led by cancer biologist Karen Knudsen, PhD, have observed in a pre-clinical (animal) study that supplementation with curcumin may support suppression of p300 and CPB.
As described in their report, published in the February issue of Cancer Research, they began by studying prostate cancer cells subjected to hormone deprivation – both without curcumin and with curcumin in doses that were “physiologically attainable.” (Previous studies, which found similar results, had involved doses that were not realistic.)
They found that the curcumin supported greater ADT results, and reduced cell numbers compared with ADT alone. Moreover, the curcumin was found to be a potent inhibitor of both cell cycle and survival in prostate cancer cells.
Next, the researchers investigated curcumin supplementation in a study involving mice that were castrated to mimic ADT. They were randomized into two cohorts: curcumin and control. Tumor growth and mass were significantly reduced in the mice supplemented with curcumin, the researchers report.
These data demonstrate for the first time that curcumin helps the body to both hamper the transition of ADT-sensitive disease to castration-resistance, and block the growth of established castrate-resistant prostate tumors, the researchers say. And “It also has implications beyond prostate cancer, since p300 and CBP are important in other malignancies, like breast cancer.”
Note: This information has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is general information and is not meant to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure any illness, condition or disease. It is very important that you make no change in your healthcare plan or health support regimen without researching and discussing it in collaboration with your professional healthcare team.
