Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 28 Researches
7.1
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8.1
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 2 Softgels
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Calories
20
Total Fat
2 g
3%**
Saturated Fat
0.5 g
3%**
Polyunsaturated Fat
1 g
†
Monounsaturated Fat
0.5 g
†
Fish Oil Concentrate
2 g (2,000 mg)
†
Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
360 mg
†
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
240 mg
†
Top Medical Research Studies
8
Eicosapentaenoic acid's anti-cancer effects
We investigated how eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) influences prostate cancer cells, particularly focusing on its effects on PC3 prostate cancer cells. To understand this, we treated the cells with various concentrations of EPA and monitored their survival, migration, and invasion abilities over time.
Our findings revealed that EPA reduces the survival rate of PC3 cells in a dose-dependent manner, showing significant effectiveness at a concentration of 500 μmol/L within just three hours of treatment. Moreover, we observed that EPA inhibits key cellular pathways linked to cancer cell growth, particularly the phosphorylation of a protein known as Pyk2. Interestingly, even though EPA affected Pyk2, this action occurred independently of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, while growth inhibition appeared to depend significantly on the induction of ROS.
Overall, our research highlighted how the combined inhibition of Pyk2 and ROS contribute to the anti-cancer properties of EPA. This suggests that EPA could be a valuable component in therapeutic strategies for combating prostate cancer.
Our findings revealed that EPA reduces the survival rate of PC3 cells in a dose-dependent manner, showing significant effectiveness at a concentration of 500 μmol/L within just three hours of treatment. Moreover, we observed that EPA inhibits key cellular pathways linked to cancer cell growth, particularly the phosphorylation of a protein known as Pyk2. Interestingly, even though EPA affected Pyk2, this action occurred independently of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, while growth inhibition appeared to depend significantly on the induction of ROS.
Overall, our research highlighted how the combined inhibition of Pyk2 and ROS contribute to the anti-cancer properties of EPA. This suggests that EPA could be a valuable component in therapeutic strategies for combating prostate cancer.
Read More
8
We investigated how eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a key omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil, affects prostate cancer cells, particularly the aggressive PC3 cells that are resistant to conventional treatments. By exposing these cells to different concentrations of EPA, we aimed to uncover its potential as a new treatment for castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Our findings indicated that EPA significantly decreased both the proliferation and the ability of PC3 cells to invade and migrate. This effect was not only dose-dependent but particularly pronounced at concentrations of 100 and 200 µg/ml. Interestingly, while lower doses of EPA (25 µg/ml) had minimal impact on cell behavior, we noted a clear reduction in cancer cell migration and invasion with higher doses (50 µg/ml).
Importantly, we also observed similar beneficial effects with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), another omega-3 fatty acid, which mirrored EPA's influence on these cancerous cells. Overall, both EPA and DHA showcase promise in slowing down the growth and spread of prostate cancer, although the specific mechanisms behind these effects remain to be fully explored.
Our findings indicated that EPA significantly decreased both the proliferation and the ability of PC3 cells to invade and migrate. This effect was not only dose-dependent but particularly pronounced at concentrations of 100 and 200 µg/ml. Interestingly, while lower doses of EPA (25 µg/ml) had minimal impact on cell behavior, we noted a clear reduction in cancer cell migration and invasion with higher doses (50 µg/ml).
Importantly, we also observed similar beneficial effects with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), another omega-3 fatty acid, which mirrored EPA's influence on these cancerous cells. Overall, both EPA and DHA showcase promise in slowing down the growth and spread of prostate cancer, although the specific mechanisms behind these effects remain to be fully explored.
Read More
This study investigates the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) supplementation on men with prostate cancer. Specifically, we designed a phase IIb clinical trial where participants received either EPA or a placebo in the form of high oleic acid sunflower oil. This trial involved 130 men who were preparing for radical prostatectomy, a common surgical treatment for prostate cancer.
Our approach included randomizing participants to ensure that neither the researchers nor the participants knew who was receiving the active treatment or the placebo, which helps to eliminate bias. We aimed to measure how the EPA affected cancer cell growth by looking at the proliferative index in prostate tissue during surgery. Additionally, we evaluated inflammation levels in prostate tissues and blood, as well as assessed quality of life factors like mood and sleep over a year following surgery.
We look forward to gaining insights from this trial that may clarify whether EPA supplementation can genuinely affect prostate cancer proliferation, inflammation, and ultimately the quality of life for those undergoing treatment. The findings could provide meaningful guidance for dietary interventions in prostate cancer management.
Our approach included randomizing participants to ensure that neither the researchers nor the participants knew who was receiving the active treatment or the placebo, which helps to eliminate bias. We aimed to measure how the EPA affected cancer cell growth by looking at the proliferative index in prostate tissue during surgery. Additionally, we evaluated inflammation levels in prostate tissues and blood, as well as assessed quality of life factors like mood and sleep over a year following surgery.
We look forward to gaining insights from this trial that may clarify whether EPA supplementation can genuinely affect prostate cancer proliferation, inflammation, and ultimately the quality of life for those undergoing treatment. The findings could provide meaningful guidance for dietary interventions in prostate cancer management.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
6
Helpful for father
I purchased this pill based on my friend's recommendation for my father's prostate cancer issue. The ingredients should be beneficial for him, although it does taste of fish.
Read More
7.5
Effective Omega supplement
I have been taking NOW Brand Omega 3-6-9 for 18 years, but due to being prescribed Tamoxifen after breast cancer, I had to stop all but Omega 3. I switched to these capsules, and they are nearly as good as the 3-6-9 blend. I plan to return to the 3-6-9 once I finish Tamoxifen.
Read More
7
Supports prostate health
High-quality fish oil Omega 3 is an essential supplement, especially for women, as it reduces inflammation, maintains youthful skin, and strengthens hair. It also normalises reproductive health and lowers the risk of prostate cancer. The DHA and EPA content is low, and the recommended dosage is two capsules twice daily, which I find inconvenient. I prefer taking three capsules after breakfast, making the supply last a month. While the capsules are relatively large, I have no issues swallowing them.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 28 Researches
7.1
- All Researches
9
We explored how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, influences prostate cancer cells. In our investigation, we focused on different prostate cell lines, including both non-malignant and castration-resistant types. By utilizing various techniques, such as Seahorse assays to examine mitochondrial function and other methods to assess cell health, we aimed to uncover the details of DHA's effects.
Our findings revealed that DHA significantly impacts mitochondrial metabolism in prostate cancer cells. Notably, cells exposed to DHA struggled to survive or grow, highlighting its potential anti-cancer properties. While this fatty acid alone appears beneficial, our results suggest that pairing DHA with the inhibition of certain metabolic pathways might lead to even more pronounced effects, particularly in castration-resistant prostate cancer cases.
These insights into DHA's function provide a promising direction for future research into cancer treatments, potentially paving the way for innovative strategies to combat prostate cancer more effectively.
Our findings revealed that DHA significantly impacts mitochondrial metabolism in prostate cancer cells. Notably, cells exposed to DHA struggled to survive or grow, highlighting its potential anti-cancer properties. While this fatty acid alone appears beneficial, our results suggest that pairing DHA with the inhibition of certain metabolic pathways might lead to even more pronounced effects, particularly in castration-resistant prostate cancer cases.
These insights into DHA's function provide a promising direction for future research into cancer treatments, potentially paving the way for innovative strategies to combat prostate cancer more effectively.
Read More
9
DHA enhances chemotherapy effectiveness
We sought to understand whether docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) could reverse docetaxel resistance in prostate cancer cells. Through various tests, including cell survival assays and protein expression analysis, we examined how DHA impacts the survival and behavior of prostate cancer cells.
Our findings revealed that DHA effectively inhibits cancer cell growth, migration, and promotes apoptosis (cell death). We also discovered that DHA can induce changes in the cells, making them less resistant to treatment. Notably, DHA regulates important proteins involved in drug resistance and impacts cellular processes like autophagy and ferroptosis.
By combining DHA with a common chemotherapy drug, docetaxel, we were able to enhance cancer-fighting effects and inhibit processes associated with tumor growth. Our research points to the potential of DHA as a complementary treatment to conventional therapies, suggesting it may make prostate cancer cells more responsive to drugs.
Overall, we believe DHA could serve as a promising agent in tackling drug resistance in prostate cancer, opening new avenues for more effective treatments.
Our findings revealed that DHA effectively inhibits cancer cell growth, migration, and promotes apoptosis (cell death). We also discovered that DHA can induce changes in the cells, making them less resistant to treatment. Notably, DHA regulates important proteins involved in drug resistance and impacts cellular processes like autophagy and ferroptosis.
By combining DHA with a common chemotherapy drug, docetaxel, we were able to enhance cancer-fighting effects and inhibit processes associated with tumor growth. Our research points to the potential of DHA as a complementary treatment to conventional therapies, suggesting it may make prostate cancer cells more responsive to drugs.
Overall, we believe DHA could serve as a promising agent in tackling drug resistance in prostate cancer, opening new avenues for more effective treatments.
Read More
9
Didocosahexaenoin shows promise against prostate cancer
We examined the effects of didocosahexaenoin (Dido), a derivative of omega-3 fatty acids, on human prostate cancer cells. Specifically, we aimed to understand its cytotoxicity and how it compares to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), another compound from the same family. Our research involved exposing different types of cells to varying concentrations of these omega-3 compounds for different lengths of time.
In our observations, Dido showed stronger cytotoxic effects on prostate carcinoma cells than DHA. Notably, the effects of Dido were dose-dependent and timed, indicating that higher concentrations and longer exposure times amplified its impact. Furthermore, Dido demonstrated a remarkable selectivity towards prostate cancer cells when compared to other carcinoma cell lines, making it a promising candidate for targeted treatment.
We also identified some interesting mechanisms behind Dido's effect. Pre-treatment with Dido significantly increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the prostate cancer cells. This rise in ROS seemed to trigger apoptosis, or programmed cell death, evidenced by several key changes in the cells. For instance, we noted an increase in phosphatidyl serine externalization and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential alongside heightened caspase 3/7 activity—a marker of apoptosis.
Ultimately, our study highlights the potential of Dido as a more potent and selective agent than DHA for targeting prostate cancer. These findings suggest that Dido could be an advantageous addition to existing therapies, particularly in combination with traditional chemotherapy options.
In our observations, Dido showed stronger cytotoxic effects on prostate carcinoma cells than DHA. Notably, the effects of Dido were dose-dependent and timed, indicating that higher concentrations and longer exposure times amplified its impact. Furthermore, Dido demonstrated a remarkable selectivity towards prostate cancer cells when compared to other carcinoma cell lines, making it a promising candidate for targeted treatment.
We also identified some interesting mechanisms behind Dido's effect. Pre-treatment with Dido significantly increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the prostate cancer cells. This rise in ROS seemed to trigger apoptosis, or programmed cell death, evidenced by several key changes in the cells. For instance, we noted an increase in phosphatidyl serine externalization and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential alongside heightened caspase 3/7 activity—a marker of apoptosis.
Ultimately, our study highlights the potential of Dido as a more potent and selective agent than DHA for targeting prostate cancer. These findings suggest that Dido could be an advantageous addition to existing therapies, particularly in combination with traditional chemotherapy options.
Read More
9
Docosahexaenoic acid enhances cilproflxacin cytotoxicity
We examined how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) affects prostate cancer cells when combined with ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic known for its potential anti-cancer properties. Our focus was on two different prostate cancer cell lines: LNCaP, which is hormone-sensitive, and DU-145, which is hormone-resistant. By looking at the outcome of these combinations, we aimed to determine whether DHA could enhance the overall effectiveness of ciprofloxacin.
During our experiments, we found that the conjugates of ciprofloxacin and fatty acids, including DHA, had a pronounced cytotoxic effect on the DU-145 cell line, with an IC50 value of 16.5 µM. This means that a concentration of 16.5 µM of the compound was able to kill half of the DU-145 cells, indicating significant potential. In contrast, the hormone-sensitive LNCaP cells demonstrated reduced sensitivity, with IC50 values exceeding 20 µM.
We also noticed that these conjugates decreased IL-6 release—an important marker in cancer progression—by nearly 50% across both cell lines. Interestingly, while early apoptosis was predominant in LNCaP cells, both early and late apoptosis were observed in DU-145 cells, revealing a more complex response to the treatment in hormone-insensitive cells.
Overall, the results of our study suggest that coupling ciprofloxacin with DHA may bolster the drug's anticancer benefits, particularly in certain types of prostate cancer cells. However, the distinct responses of the two cell lines prompt further investigation to clarify the mechanisms at play.
During our experiments, we found that the conjugates of ciprofloxacin and fatty acids, including DHA, had a pronounced cytotoxic effect on the DU-145 cell line, with an IC50 value of 16.5 µM. This means that a concentration of 16.5 µM of the compound was able to kill half of the DU-145 cells, indicating significant potential. In contrast, the hormone-sensitive LNCaP cells demonstrated reduced sensitivity, with IC50 values exceeding 20 µM.
We also noticed that these conjugates decreased IL-6 release—an important marker in cancer progression—by nearly 50% across both cell lines. Interestingly, while early apoptosis was predominant in LNCaP cells, both early and late apoptosis were observed in DU-145 cells, revealing a more complex response to the treatment in hormone-insensitive cells.
Overall, the results of our study suggest that coupling ciprofloxacin with DHA may bolster the drug's anticancer benefits, particularly in certain types of prostate cancer cells. However, the distinct responses of the two cell lines prompt further investigation to clarify the mechanisms at play.
Read More
8
We explored the effects of fatty acids on prostate cancer (PCa) cells, specifically focusing on eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). We observed that EPA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid, has a notable impact on cancer cell movement and invasion.
Our study revealed that EPA lowers acetyl-CoA levels in the cells, which leads to changes in the global acetylation profile. This is crucial because acetylation plays a role in regulating proteins involved in cell motility. We specifically found that EPA decreases the acetylation of PFN1, a protein associated with cell movement.
As a result, we noted that EPA inhibits the migration and invasion of PCa cells. This was corroborated by immunofluorescence assays, which showed that EPA reduces the formation of cellular extensions known as lamellipodia and filopodia. In contrast, oleic acid, another fatty acid we tested, increased acetylation and promoted cell motility.
Collectively, our findings offer new insights into how omega-3 fatty acids like EPA may influence prostate cancer progression by altering protein acetylation and, ultimately, cell movement.
Our study revealed that EPA lowers acetyl-CoA levels in the cells, which leads to changes in the global acetylation profile. This is crucial because acetylation plays a role in regulating proteins involved in cell motility. We specifically found that EPA decreases the acetylation of PFN1, a protein associated with cell movement.
As a result, we noted that EPA inhibits the migration and invasion of PCa cells. This was corroborated by immunofluorescence assays, which showed that EPA reduces the formation of cellular extensions known as lamellipodia and filopodia. In contrast, oleic acid, another fatty acid we tested, increased acetylation and promoted cell motility.
Collectively, our findings offer new insights into how omega-3 fatty acids like EPA may influence prostate cancer progression by altering protein acetylation and, ultimately, cell movement.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 3 Reviews
8.1
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
6
Helpful for father
I purchased this pill based on my friend's recommendation for my father's prostate cancer issue. The ingredients should be beneficial for him, although it does taste of fish.
Read More
7.5
Effective Omega supplement
I have been taking NOW Brand Omega 3-6-9 for 18 years, but due to being prescribed Tamoxifen after breast cancer, I had to stop all but Omega 3. I switched to these capsules, and they are nearly as good as the 3-6-9 blend. I plan to return to the 3-6-9 once I finish Tamoxifen.
Read More
7
Supports prostate health
High-quality fish oil Omega 3 is an essential supplement, especially for women, as it reduces inflammation, maintains youthful skin, and strengthens hair. It also normalises reproductive health and lowers the risk of prostate cancer. The DHA and EPA content is low, and the recommended dosage is two capsules twice daily, which I find inconvenient. I prefer taking three capsules after breakfast, making the supply last a month. While the capsules are relatively large, I have no issues swallowing them.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
7.5
Effective Omega supplement
I have been taking NOW Brand Omega 3-6-9 for 18 years, but due to being prescribed Tamoxifen after breast cancer, I had to stop all but Omega 3. I switched to these capsules, and they are nearly as good as the 3-6-9 blend. I plan to return to the 3-6-9 once I finish Tamoxifen.
7
Supports prostate health
High-quality fish oil Omega 3 is an essential supplement, especially for women, as it reduces inflammation, maintains youthful skin, and strengthens hair. It also normalises reproductive health and lowers the risk of prostate cancer. The DHA and EPA content is low, and the recommended dosage is two capsules twice daily, which I find inconvenient. I prefer taking three capsules after breakfast, making the supply last a month. While the capsules are relatively large, I have no issues swallowing them.
6
Helpful for father
I purchased this pill based on my friend's recommendation for my father's prostate cancer issue. The ingredients should be beneficial for him, although it does taste of fish.
2
We conducted a phase II double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial to understand the effects of a dietary supplement called MAG-EPA, which is rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), on prostate cancer. Involving 130 men diagnosed with grade group 2 or higher prostate cancer, we aimed to see if this omega-3 fatty acid could effectively slow down cancer growth.
Participants were randomly assigned to take either 3 grams of MAG-EPA daily or a placebo for 7 weeks before undergoing radical prostatectomy. The main measure of our study was the cancer proliferation index, which we assessed by analyzing tumor samples for a specific protein known as Ki-67.
Unfortunately, our findings showed that MAG-EPA did not significantly change the rate of cancer proliferation as indicated by Ki-67 expression. While we did gather additional information on inflammatory cytokines and fatty acid profiles, the lack of any observable benefits from the MAG-EPA treatment stands out.
This study illuminates the complexities of dietary supplements like omega-3 fatty acids in cancer treatment. Further research is essential to better understand their potential impact on prostate cancer, but for now, we found no evidence to suggest that MAG-EPA is effective in reducing cancer growth.
Participants were randomly assigned to take either 3 grams of MAG-EPA daily or a placebo for 7 weeks before undergoing radical prostatectomy. The main measure of our study was the cancer proliferation index, which we assessed by analyzing tumor samples for a specific protein known as Ki-67.
Unfortunately, our findings showed that MAG-EPA did not significantly change the rate of cancer proliferation as indicated by Ki-67 expression. While we did gather additional information on inflammatory cytokines and fatty acid profiles, the lack of any observable benefits from the MAG-EPA treatment stands out.
This study illuminates the complexities of dietary supplements like omega-3 fatty acids in cancer treatment. Further research is essential to better understand their potential impact on prostate cancer, but for now, we found no evidence to suggest that MAG-EPA is effective in reducing cancer growth.
8
We explored the effects of fatty acids on prostate cancer (PCa) cells, specifically focusing on eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). We observed that EPA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid, has a notable impact on cancer cell movement and invasion.
Our study revealed that EPA lowers acetyl-CoA levels in the cells, which leads to changes in the global acetylation profile. This is crucial because acetylation plays a role in regulating proteins involved in cell motility. We specifically found that EPA decreases the acetylation of PFN1, a protein associated with cell movement.
As a result, we noted that EPA inhibits the migration and invasion of PCa cells. This was corroborated by immunofluorescence assays, which showed that EPA reduces the formation of cellular extensions known as lamellipodia and filopodia. In contrast, oleic acid, another fatty acid we tested, increased acetylation and promoted cell motility.
Collectively, our findings offer new insights into how omega-3 fatty acids like EPA may influence prostate cancer progression by altering protein acetylation and, ultimately, cell movement.
Our study revealed that EPA lowers acetyl-CoA levels in the cells, which leads to changes in the global acetylation profile. This is crucial because acetylation plays a role in regulating proteins involved in cell motility. We specifically found that EPA decreases the acetylation of PFN1, a protein associated with cell movement.
As a result, we noted that EPA inhibits the migration and invasion of PCa cells. This was corroborated by immunofluorescence assays, which showed that EPA reduces the formation of cellular extensions known as lamellipodia and filopodia. In contrast, oleic acid, another fatty acid we tested, increased acetylation and promoted cell motility.
Collectively, our findings offer new insights into how omega-3 fatty acids like EPA may influence prostate cancer progression by altering protein acetylation and, ultimately, cell movement.
8
We investigated how an enriched diet with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid, affects prostate cancer progression in mice engineered to develop this disease. The study specifically examined two different age groups of transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice: one at 12 weeks, representing early tumor development, and the other at 20 weeks, indicative of advanced stages.
Our findings revealed that the omega-3 rich diet had a protective effect on tumor progression in the earlier stage, significantly increasing normal prostate tissue while reducing the occurrence of pre-cancerous lesions. For example, we observed that the frequency of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and in situ carcinoma decreased significantly in the diet group, suggesting that eicosapentaenoic acid might delay cancer progression.
However, in the advanced stage, while mice still developed tumors, there was no noticeable difference in tumor weight between those on the standard diet and those on the omega-3 diet. This suggests that while eicosapentaenoic acid might help in the early stages of prostate cancer, it doesn't seem to have a significant impact on established tumors.
Overall, we noted that the dietary omega-3 PUFAs resulted in reduced cell proliferation and preserved the healthy structure of the gland in early stages, but did not prevent tumor development in advanced cases. This emphasizes the need for further research to understand the full impact of eicosapentaenoic acid on prostate cancer treatment, especially in later disease stages.
Our findings revealed that the omega-3 rich diet had a protective effect on tumor progression in the earlier stage, significantly increasing normal prostate tissue while reducing the occurrence of pre-cancerous lesions. For example, we observed that the frequency of high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and in situ carcinoma decreased significantly in the diet group, suggesting that eicosapentaenoic acid might delay cancer progression.
However, in the advanced stage, while mice still developed tumors, there was no noticeable difference in tumor weight between those on the standard diet and those on the omega-3 diet. This suggests that while eicosapentaenoic acid might help in the early stages of prostate cancer, it doesn't seem to have a significant impact on established tumors.
Overall, we noted that the dietary omega-3 PUFAs resulted in reduced cell proliferation and preserved the healthy structure of the gland in early stages, but did not prevent tumor development in advanced cases. This emphasizes the need for further research to understand the full impact of eicosapentaenoic acid on prostate cancer treatment, especially in later disease stages.
7
Omega-3's impact on prostate care
We aimed to investigate how eicosapentaenoic acid, a type of long-chain omega-3 fatty acid, influences the quality of life for men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer, specifically after radical prostatectomy. To do this, we conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 130 participants.
These men were split into two groups: one received a daily dose of 3.75 grams of fish oil, rich in omega-3, while the other received a placebo. The supplementation started seven weeks before surgery and continued for up to one year after. We evaluated their quality of life using validated questionnaires at various stages: before surgery, during surgery, and every three months after.
While our initial analyses did not show significant differences between the two groups, a closer look at the data at the 12-month mark revealed something interesting. For those following the treatment as directed, there was a notable improvement in urinary function among men who took the omega-3 supplement compared to the placebo group.
This suggests that while the overall effects may not be dramatic, eicosapentaenoic acid could potentially enhance urinary irritation function in men who have undergone prostate surgery. These findings encourage us to consider larger-scale studies to further explore this potential benefit.
These men were split into two groups: one received a daily dose of 3.75 grams of fish oil, rich in omega-3, while the other received a placebo. The supplementation started seven weeks before surgery and continued for up to one year after. We evaluated their quality of life using validated questionnaires at various stages: before surgery, during surgery, and every three months after.
While our initial analyses did not show significant differences between the two groups, a closer look at the data at the 12-month mark revealed something interesting. For those following the treatment as directed, there was a notable improvement in urinary function among men who took the omega-3 supplement compared to the placebo group.
This suggests that while the overall effects may not be dramatic, eicosapentaenoic acid could potentially enhance urinary irritation function in men who have undergone prostate surgery. These findings encourage us to consider larger-scale studies to further explore this potential benefit.
This study investigates the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) supplementation on men with prostate cancer. Specifically, we designed a phase IIb clinical trial where participants received either EPA or a placebo in the form of high oleic acid sunflower oil. This trial involved 130 men who were preparing for radical prostatectomy, a common surgical treatment for prostate cancer.
Our approach included randomizing participants to ensure that neither the researchers nor the participants knew who was receiving the active treatment or the placebo, which helps to eliminate bias. We aimed to measure how the EPA affected cancer cell growth by looking at the proliferative index in prostate tissue during surgery. Additionally, we evaluated inflammation levels in prostate tissues and blood, as well as assessed quality of life factors like mood and sleep over a year following surgery.
We look forward to gaining insights from this trial that may clarify whether EPA supplementation can genuinely affect prostate cancer proliferation, inflammation, and ultimately the quality of life for those undergoing treatment. The findings could provide meaningful guidance for dietary interventions in prostate cancer management.
Our approach included randomizing participants to ensure that neither the researchers nor the participants knew who was receiving the active treatment or the placebo, which helps to eliminate bias. We aimed to measure how the EPA affected cancer cell growth by looking at the proliferative index in prostate tissue during surgery. Additionally, we evaluated inflammation levels in prostate tissues and blood, as well as assessed quality of life factors like mood and sleep over a year following surgery.
We look forward to gaining insights from this trial that may clarify whether EPA supplementation can genuinely affect prostate cancer proliferation, inflammation, and ultimately the quality of life for those undergoing treatment. The findings could provide meaningful guidance for dietary interventions in prostate cancer management.
References
- Robitaille K, Guertin MH, Jamshidi A, Xu HW, Hovington H, et al. A phase IIb randomized placebo-controlled trial testing the effect of MAG-EPA long-chain omega-3 fatty acid dietary supplement on prostate cancer proliferation. Commun Med (Lond). 2024;4:56. doi:10.1038/s43856-024-00456-4
- He C, Chen X, Chen Y, Sun J, Qi M, et al. Global acetylome profiling indicates EPA impedes but OA promotes prostate cancer motility through altered acetylation of PFN1 and FLNA. Proteomics. 2024;24:e2300393. doi:10.1002/pmic.202300393
- Savard J, Moussa H, Pelletier JF, Julien P, Lacombe L, et al. Effects of omega-3 supplementation on psychological symptoms in men with prostate cancer: Secondary analysis of a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial. Cancer Med. 2023;12:20163. doi:10.1002/cam4.6598
- Moussa H, Robitaille K, Pelletier JF, Tourigny R, Fradet Y, et al. Effects of Concentrated Long-Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Quality of Life after Radical Prostatectomy: A Phase II Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial (RCT-EPA). Nutrients. 2023;15. doi:10.3390/nu15061369
- Amaro GM, da Silva ADT, Tamarindo GH, Lamas CA, Taboga SR, et al. Differential effects of omega-3 PUFAS on tumor progression at early and advanced stages in TRAMP mice. Prostate. 2022;82:1491. doi:10.1002/pros.24421
- Dauchy EM, Dauchy RT, Tirrell RP, Davidson LK, Hill SM, et al. Dietary Melatonin and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Induce Human Cancer Xenograft Regression In Vivo in Rats by Suppressing Linoleic Acid Uptake and Metabolism. Comp Med. 2021;71:309. doi:10.30802/AALAS-CM-21-000025
- Cui J, Shan K, Yang Q, Qi Y, Qu H, et al. Prostaglandin E attenuates macrophage-associated inflammation and prostate tumour growth by modulating polarization. J Cell Mol Med. 2021;25:5586. doi:10.1111/jcmm.16570
- Yurko-Mauro K, Van Elswyk M, Teo L. A Scoping Review of Interactions between Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Genetic Variation in Relation to Cancer Risk. Nutrients. 2020;12. doi:10.3390/nu12061647
- Tang NT, D Snook R, Brown MD, Haines BA, Ridley A, et al. Fatty-Acid Uptake in Prostate Cancer Cells Using Dynamic Microfluidic Raman Technology. Molecules. 2020;25. doi:10.3390/molecules25071652
- Oono K, Ohtake K, Watanabe C, Shiba S, Sekiya T, et al. Contribution of Pyk2 pathway and reactive oxygen species (ROS) to the anti-cancer effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in PC3 prostate cancer cells. Lipids Health Dis. 2020;19:15. doi:10.1186/s12944-019-1122-4
- Figiel S, Bery F, Chantôme A, Fontaine D, Pasqualin C, et al. A Novel Calcium-Mediated EMT Pathway Controlled by Lipids: An Opportunity for Prostate Cancer Adjuvant Therapy. Cancers (Basel). 2019;11. doi:10.3390/cancers11111814
- Moussa H, Nguile-Makao M, Robitaille K, Guertin MH, Allaire J, et al. Omega-3 Fatty Acids Survey in Men under Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer: from Intake to Prostate Tissue Level. Nutrients. 2019;11. doi:10.3390/nu11071616
- Perez-Cornago A, Huybrechts I, Appleby PN, Schmidt JA, Crowe FL, et al. Intake of individual fatty acids and risk of prostate cancer in the European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition. Int J Cancer. 2020;146:44. doi:10.1002/ijc.32233
- Bhandarkar NS, Kumar SA, Martin J, Brown L, Panchal SK. Attenuation of Metabolic Syndrome by EPA/DHA Ethyl Esters in Testosterone-Deficient Obese Rats. Mar Drugs. 2018;16. doi:10.3390/md16060182
- Guertin MH, Robitaille K, Pelletier JF, Duchesne T, Julien P, et al. Effects of concentrated long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation before radical prostatectomy on prostate cancer proliferation, inflammation, and quality of life: study protocol for a phase IIb, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. BMC Cancer. 2018;18:64. doi:10.1186/s12885-017-3979-9
- Oono K, Takahashi K, Sukehara S, Kurosawa H, Matsumura T, et al. Inhibition of PC3 human prostate cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration by eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. Mol Clin Oncol. 2017;7:217. doi:10.3892/mco.2017.1287
- Olkhovik DM, Silkina MO, Razumovskaya AV, Klycheva KV, Fatkulin AA, et al. Omega-3 Docosahexaenoic Acid as a Promising Inducer of Ferroptosis: Dynamics of Action in Prostate and Colorectal Cancer Models. Dokl Biochem Biophys. 2025. doi:10.1134/S160767292460132X
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