Effects of a Phytoestrogen Intervention and Estrogen Receptor β Genotype on Prostate Cancer Proliferation and PSA Concentrations—A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

A phytoestrogen-rich diet has been suggested to reduce tumor proliferation among men with prostate cancer, and the effect may differ between men with different polymorphisms of the estrogen receptor‐beta gene (ERβ). Patients with low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer scheduled for radical prostatectomy were randomized to an intervention group (n = 71) provided with soybeans and flaxseeds (∼200 mg phytoestrogens/day) to eat until surgery (approximately 6 wk) or to a control group (n = 69). Tumor proliferation was assessed using Ki-67 indexes, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentrations were analyzed in blood, and ERβ polymorphism was genotyped in all subjects. The intervention group had a 13% unit lower risk [95% confidence interval (CI): −28%, 1.8%] of a higher Ki-67 index compared to controls, but the effect was most pronounced among TT carriers of ERβ [risk difference (RD) −19%, 95% CI: −45%, 6.8%]. Subjects with genotype TC/CC had a lower risk (RD −29%, 95% CI: −46%, −1.2%) and TT genotype a higher risk (RD 25%, 95% CI: 8.7%, 42%) of increased PSA concentration, comparing the intervention group to controls. In conclusion, a phytoestrogen-rich diet may cause lower tumor proliferation and concentration of PSA in men with prostate cancer with a specific genetic upset of ERβ.