Alternative cancer treatments are unproven treatments which are sometimes used instead of conventional cancer therapy to attempt to prevent, lessen, or cure prostate cancer. Alternative treatments for prostate cancer consist of a broad range of therapies, ranging from special diets, vitamins and herbal supplements to magnets, light therapy, and prayer.
Alternative cancer treatments have become increasingly popular in the United States, with 42% of adults reporting having used one or more. Partly fueled by the rapid distribution of information on the internet and a growing dissatisfaction with dysfunctional traditional medical care systems, there is an increasing popularity of alternative treatment. For prostate cancer patients, claims made for alternative cancer treatments can be very appealing, especially since conventional therapies have numerous side effects and potential complications.
Alternative prostate cancer treatments should not be confused with complementary therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, massage therapy, and relaxation exercises. There is also some evidence indicating that specific dietary factors may be useful in preventing or slowing the growth of prostate cancer.
Some alternative treatments for prostate cancer may be harmful in and of themselves, or may be dangerous because they are used instead of conventional medicine. The most common problem with pursuing an alternative cancer treatment is that it can create significant delays in obtaining an effective and proven treatment.
If you thinking of using a complementary or alternative treatment for prostate cancer, there are two important issues to consider:
- Many dietary supplements are promoted as alternative cancer treatments, when, to date, there is no evidence that any dietary supplements can cure cancer.
- Particularly in the case of men undergoing treatment for their prostate cancer, alternative treatment often involves self-medication with dietary supplements which can be risky and harmful.
Today many nutritional supplements promise to provide alternative cancer treatment options. While some supplements show potential benefits, others can be quite harmful.
Nutritional Supplements With Potential Benefits
|
Supplement |
Potential Benefits |
| Selenium | Several clinical trials suggest that that this antioxidant may help to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Alternative treatments using selenium are now being researched for its potential benefits. |
| Vitamin E | This antioxidant is being studied for its potential to lower a man’s risk of prostate cancer. Alternative treatments using this supplement is not a cure, although it may help |
| Lycopene | This antioxident may reduce a man’s risk of prostate cancer. Alternative treatments with lycopene promote the use of tomato and tomato products. Several studies have shown a direct link between the lycopene found in tomatoes and the slowing of cancer cell growth. Other studies have found that lycopene increases when tomatoes are cooked or made into a tomato sauce or paste and may be more effective than raw tomatoes. It is not clear if lycopene supplements provide the same level of benefits as lycopene from tomatoes and tomato products. |
| Flaxseed | With men who do not have aggressive tumors, studies have shown ground flaxseeds (flaxseed powder) along with a low-fat diet slowed the growth rate of prostate cancer cells, increased the death rate of prostate cancer cells, and lowered PSA levels. Flaxseed oil supplement gave not been clinically tested. |
| Garlic | Although there is now limited data suggesting that garlic consumption may be linked a lowered risk of some cancers, as an alternative treatment for prostate cancer, there is no evidence that garlic is effective in treating the disease. And using garlic supplements for less than 3 to 5 years was shown not to decrease risks of cancer. |
Nutritional Supplements with Unknown or Inconclusive Effects
|
Supplement |
Potential Benefits |
| Saw Palmetto | Although some studies have found that saw palmetto extract can reduce the symptoms of benign hyperplasia (BPH), there is no scientific study that has shown it has any benefit as an alternative treatment for prostate cancer. |
| Mushroom Supplements | Shitake mushroom supplements have not been shown to be effective as an alternative treatment for prostate cancer. |
| Shark Cartilage | With inconclusive results, there have been only a few human studies of cartilage as an alternative cancer treatment. The FDA has not approved the use of cartilage as an alternative treatment for prostate cancer or any other medical condition. Additional clinical trials of cartilage as a treatment for cancer are now being conducted. |
| Soy supplements | Soy-derived substances are being tested with men with high risk of developing prostate cancer as well as with men who have early prostate cancer. As an alternative treatment, taking large amounts of soy protein found in most soy pills or powders has not yet proven to be effective. |
| Black cohosh | Some proponents claim that this supplement reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Alternative treatments tout this herb because of its estrogen-like effects. However, no clinical trials addressing this issue have been conducted. |
| Zinc | While zinc supplements have been linked to reducing the risk of prostate cancer, as an alternative treatment, there is no clinical evidence to support the use of zinc supplements to affect the growth or spread of the disease, and taking more than 100 mg daily of this mineral may increase prostate cancer risk. |
Nutritional Supplements That May Be Harmful
|
Supplement |
Potential Harm |
| Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) | There is no scientific evidence that this steroid hormone is safe or effective. Some researchers believe DHEA may increase prostate cancer risk and promote growth of prostate cancer. This alternative treatment should not be used for treating prostate cancer. |
| Laetrile | Laetrile is a compound produced from amygdaline, a naturally occurring cyanide substance found in naturally in many fruit pits. As an alternative prostate cancer treatment, there is no scientific evidence that the percentage cyanide, and several cases of cyanide poisoning have been linked to its use. The side effects of laetrile include vomiting, nausea, headache, dizziness and liver damage. Laetrile is illegal in the United State, and is used as alternative cancer treatment in Mexico. |
| Licorice supplements | Although advertised as an alternative prostate cancer treatment, there has been no evidence to support these claims. Licorice supplements are occasionally associated with side effects that can cause serious problems. |
| St. John’s Wort | While this herb is used to treat mild or moderate depression, which men with prostate cancer can experience, studies have shown that it can diminish the effects of chemotherapy and some other drugs. |
4 Key Questions To Ask When Considering Alternative Prostate Cancer Treatments
If you hear of alternative cancer treatment options that appear promising, you should research it as thoroughly as you can, including discussing them with your health care team. Make sure you understand all potential side effects and apply the same standard for treatment that you would for prescription drugs. The following are 4 key questions you should pose when considering alternative treatments for your prostate cancer:
- Has the alternative treatment been shown effective in clinical trials?
- What are the potential side effects of the alternative prostate cancer treatment?
- Are there interactions with drugs with the alternative cancer treatment?
- What are the costs associated with the use of this alternative treatment for prostate cancer?
For men with prostate cancer, alternative treatments can best help if they are integrated, rather than replaced their overall treatment options. Men who have prostate cancer can still follow special diets or other alternative cancer treatments while still having their surgery, radiation or other treatment recommended by their doctors. If you considering using any complementary or alternative treatments, the key to getting the most out of all treatment options and giving you the best chance for a healthy life is to discuss these alternative treatments for prostate cancer openly with your doctor. He or she should be able to provide you with information on the cancer alternative treatments that are appropriate for your situation.
