Effects of a phytotherapeutic agent, PC‐SPES, on prostate cancer: a preliminary investigation on human cell lines and patients

摘要: Objectives  To evaluate the in vitro activity of PC-SPES, a complex phytotherapeutic agent, against prostate cancer cell lines, and to assess its suppressing serum specific antigen (PSA) level patients with cancer. Patients methods  Four variant lines (LNCaP an apoptosis-resistant derivative, LNCaP-bcl-2, PC3 DU145) were exposed three different concentrations PC-SPES extract. Cell viability was measured at 3, 4 5 days exposure using colorimetric assay compared control cultures receiving aliquots ethanolic extraction medium alone. Clinically, prospective study initiated who refused conventional therapy or had failed previous cryosurgery, radiation and/or hormonal therapy. The treated (three capsules 320 mg/day). PSA responses side-effects evaluated. Results  All cultured showed significant dose-dependent reduction cellular (compared cultures) by 6 μL extract/mL culture (P<0.001). In contrast hormone-insensitive tested (LNCaP-bcl-2, PC-3 DU-145), only hormone-sensitive line LNCaP affected lowest dose extract (2 μL/mL medium). clinical trial 33 patients, mean (range) follow-up 6.8 (2–24) months after initiating therapy, levels lower 87% 2 78% 6 (n=18, P=0.026). these nipple tenderness two (6%) leg clots requiring heparinization (6%). No gynaecomastia hot flashes observed this group treatment well tolerated. Conclusions  In preliminary study, agent active growth -insensitive lines. small decreased most patients. However, longer more will be required long-term efficacy new phytotherapy.