In a significant development for cancer treatment, a new international trial has demonstrated that simple dietary interventions can slow the progression of prostate cancer in men. The research, published in the journal European Urology Oncology, offers a promising new avenue for managing the disease alongside conventional therapies.
The Power of Food and Bacteria
The study, led by a team from the University of Bedfordshire in collaboration with experts from Cambridge University Hospitals, Bedford Hospital, and international scientists, focused on 212 men diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer. Over a four-month period, all participants were given a specially formulated vegetable supplement.
This supplement contained a powerful blend of phytochemical-rich foods, including broccoli, turmeric, pomegranate, green tea, ginger, and cranberry. These ingredients were chosen for their known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential anticancer properties.
Half of the men were also given a placebo, while the other half received an additional probiotic containing the bacteria Lactobacillus. Probiotics are live microorganisms, often called 'good' or 'friendly' bacteria, which are thought to help restore the natural balance of the gut microbiome.
Significant Slowing of Disease Progression
The results were compelling. Researchers monitored the men's levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a crucial blood marker that can indicate disease activity. The study found that the rate of PSA progression slowed significantly in both groups.
However, the most pronounced effect was seen in the group taking both the vegetable supplement and the probiotic. In this group, 85.5% of men had stable disease, with an impressive 6.7% exhibiting disease regression. Only 7.8% saw their disease progress. In the supplement-only group, 82% had stable disease and 18% progressed.
Beyond the cancer markers, men reported improvements in urinary symptoms, physical strength, and reductions in inflammation, all critical factors for quality of life.
A New Frontier in Cancer Care
First author Professor Robert Thomas, of the University of Bedfordshire and a consultant clinical oncologist, stated: "This study shows, for the first time, that improving the balance of bacteria in the gut can slow prostate cancer activity while also improving important aspects of men's health."
Dr Jeffrey Aldous, senior lecturer in exercise physiology at the University of Bedfordshire, highlighted the broader implications: "This research helps us understand how targeted dietary strategies may influence the gut microbiome in ways that appear to benefit both cancer-related markers and overall wellbeing."
Commenting on the findings, Dr Hayley Luxton from Prostate Cancer UK said the study was "encouraging" and added to growing evidence on how diet and gut health affect cancer. She cautioned that more research is needed but affirmed that "having a balanced, healthy diet remains a good idea."
This pioneering trial, whose results were released in early January 2026, opens the door to a whole new, complementary approach to cancer treatment, focusing on harnessing the power of nutrition and gut health to fight disease.
