Green tea component may help slow prostate cancer

AORN Journal,  May, 2007  

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A polyphenol known as pigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a component of green tea, when combined with a low dose of cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme (COX-2) inhibitor may slow the growth of prostate cancer, according to a March 1, 2007, news release from the American Association for Cancer Research. Previous research has found that the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib can slow cancer cell growth for many cancer types, including prostate cancer, but celecoxib has been shown to have adverse cardiac effects when administered at high doses over tong durations.

Researchers examined the combined effects of EGCG and a COX-2 inhibitor similar to cetecoxib on cultured human prostate cancer cells. Both substances demonstrated the ability to slow cancer cell growth when used atone; when used together, the growth slowed an additional 15% to 28%.

Researchers also studied the effect of an oral suspension of the decaffeinated green tea polyphenol and celecoxib on mouse models of prostate cancer. The tumor volume in untreated mice averaged 1,300 cubic mm, but in mice treated with tea or celecoxib, the tumor volume averaged 835 cubic mm and 650 cubic mm, respectively. In mice treated with both substances, the tumor volume averaged 350 cubic mm.

Green Tea and COX-2 Inhibitors Combine to Slow Growth of Prostate Cancer [news release]. Philadelphia, Pa; American Association for Cancer Research; March 1, 2007.

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