Prostate cancer: EPA reduces its development

The Omega-3 present in the prostate slow down the progression of cancer. In particular, the concentration of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) measured directly in the prostate tissue, rather than in the blood or estimated from dietary habits, is associated with less tumor advancement.

This was discovered by researchers at the University of Quebec (Canada) in a study published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research, aimed at clarifying the link between Omega-3 and prostate cancer.

What is the role of Omega-3?

Prostate cancer is the most common tumor in men. It accounts for about 30% of malignancies in the male population. Treatment varies according to its risk level, classified as low, medium, or high risk. Low-risk cancer can be monitored with blood tests and biopsies through so-called active surveillance, avoiding aggressive treatments for patients in less optimal clinical conditions. The association between Omega-3 and this type of cancer has been widely studied. However, the impact of fatty acid content in the prostate on disease progression is still little known. Conflicting results have been published on this relationship; last summer, a study by Brasky and colleagues suggested that Omega-3s were linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer. Scientific editorials and reviews then argued that the link could not be confirmed.

EPA reduces disease progression

In this study, researchers hypothesized that compared to dietary estimates or levels measured in red blood cells, the Omega-3 content in prostate tissue was more strongly related to cancer progression. The research was conducted on a cohort of 48 untreated men with low-risk prostate cancer under active surveillance. Subjects underwent prostate tissue sampling within six months of initial diagnosis. Additionally, polyunsaturated fatty acid levels were assessed through a food frequency questionnaire and determined in red blood cells. Results showed that the concentration of EPA, measured directly in the prostate, was associated with a reduced risk of progression in patients with low-risk cancer.

Prostate tissue analysis is more effective 

In conclusion, Omega-3 concentrations in prostate tissue appear more strongly linked to and provide more information about the likelihood of disease progression compared to concentrations measured in red blood cells or intake estimates. Measuring Omega-3 in the blood is a better assessment method than dietary intake evaluation but is not as effective as measuring EPA and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in red blood cell membranes; however, this also has limitations because blood cells have a lifespan of 90 days. For researchers, therefore, measuring nutrient levels in the tissue of interest is the best approach to establish associations between nutrients and cancer risk. This study also confirms that Omega-3 intake in men is often insufficient and does not reach the doses of 250-500 mg per day of EPA and DHA.

Source: Moreel X, Allaire J, Leger C, Caron A, Labonte M-E, Lamarche B, Julien P, Desmeules P, Tetu B, Fradet V. Prostatic and dietary omega-3 fatty acids and prostate cancer progression during active surveillance. 2014 Cancer Prev Res doi: 10. 1158/1940-6207.CAPR-13-0349