This research project is conducted as a collaboration between Department of Urology and AU Flakkebjerg, Aarhus University, a research centre on crop and plant production.
We do not know the mechanisms causing fast progression of prostate cancer to an aggressive type of cancer. Several studies have shown that a diet with a high intake of rye has an inhibitory effect on the development of prostate cancer and can cause a lowering in PSA. We do no know the explanation to the association between substances in rye and the effect on prostate cancer. Previous studies have focused on other substances such as fibres, lignanes, polyphenoles and alkylrescocinoles. Studies have shown that rye contains some substances, belonging to the group of benzoxazinoids, increasing the resistance to fungi and bacteria. In laboratory tests benzoxazinoids have shown an inhibitory effect on prostate cancer cells. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between a high intake of rye with benzoxazinoids and development of prostate cancer.
The study will investigate the importance of diet concerning uptake of active substances in rye on prostate tissue and the cancer tumour as well as their possible positive effect on cancer cells in men undergoing radical prostectomy. Patients will be randomly assigned to two different diets; half of the patients will eat a diet with a high content of substances and the other half will eat a diet with a low content of substances.
A total of 100 men will be included and will eat a diet with a high or low content of substances for a period of four weeks before planned surgery. Participants will receive counselling and diet plans from a project dietician; participants will also received their diet for the four weeks prior to surgery.
The study period lasts until follow-up after three months where blood and urine samples are collected. We expect to detect a high concentration of substances in blood, urine, prostate tissue and the cancer tumour as well as signs of reduced growth in cancer cells by microscopy in the group eating a diet with a high content of rye. On a long term basis theis might delay or prevent the development of cancer in the prostate.
Contact:
Helene Holm Pedersen, Projektsygeplejerske, helene.holm@skejby.rm.dk