prostate-report.org

Role of genistein in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer

Tumor suppressor genes produce proteins that reduce the risk of normal cells becoming cancer cells. Therefore, when key tumor suppressor genes are silenced by hypermethylation, normal (benign) cells may become transformed into malignant cells.

A new research study, just published in the journal Cancer, evaluated the effects of genistein (soy isoflavone) on hypermethylated human prostate cancer cells. In a laboratory study, prostate cancer cells were grown in culture dishes, and were tested for hypermethylation of the BTG3 tumor suppressor gene. Once the scientists confirmed that the BTG3 gene was indeed silenced by hypermethylation in these prostate cancer cells, the cells were then treated with genistein.

Following additional experiments, the scientists were able to confirm that genistein effectively reversed hypermethylation of the BTG3 tumor suppressor gene. Additionally, a new experimental prostate cancer drug which is being evaluated in ongoing clinical research trials, 5Aza-C, was also tested on the hypermethylated prostate cancer cells, and was found to reverse hypermethylation of the BTG3 tumor suppressor gene, as well.