Effects of Concentrated Long-Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Quality of Life after Radical Prostatectomy: A Phase II Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial (RCT-EPA)

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PCa) and associated treatments incur symptoms that may impact patients’ quality of life. Studies have shown beneficial relationships between diet, especially omega-3 fatty acids, and these symptoms. Unfortunately, only few data describing the relationship between long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (LCn3) and PCa-related symptoms in patients are available. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of LCn3 supplementation on PCa-specific quality of life in 130 men treated by radical prostatectomy. Men were randomized to receive a daily dose of either 3.75 g of fish oil or a placebo starting 7 weeks before surgery and for up to one-year post-surgery. Quality of life was assessed using the validated EPIC-26 and IPSS questionnaires at randomization, at surgery, and every 3 months following surgery. Between-group differences were assessed using linear mixed models. Intention-to-treat analyses showed no significant difference between the two groups. However, at 12-month follow-up, per-protocol analyses showed a significantly greater increase in the urinary irritation function score (better urinary function) (MD = 5.5, p = 0.03) for the LCn3 group compared to placebo. These results suggest that LCn3 supplementation may improve the urinary irritation function in men with PCa treated by radical prostatectomy and support to conduct of larger-scale studies.

Effects of omega‐3 supplementation on psychological symptoms in men with prostate cancer: Secondary analysis of a double‐blind placebo‐controlled randomized trial

“…However, the measure of EPA levels in red blood cell membranes suggests an adequate compliance. 30,31 In conclusion, results of this trial did not support the efficacy of n-3 supplementation in alleviating depression, anxiety, FCR, insomnia, fatigue, and subjectively assessed cognitive impairments in men treated for prostate cancer with RP. RCTs that specifically include patients with clinical levels of depression and other symptoms are warranted.…”

“…Lastly, although counts of pills not used and returned to the pharmacy did not differ across groups (compliance of 93.3% and 91.9% in MAG‐EPA and placebo groups, respectively), 30 the extent to which participants actually took the prescribed capsules is uncertain. However, the measure of EPA levels in red blood cell membranes suggests an adequate compliance 30,31 …”

“…No major toxicities were observed for both arms. Adverse events have recently been published in another secondary analysis (quality of life outcomes) of the same trial 31 …”