PC‐SPES, a dietary supplement for the treatment of hormone‐refractory prostate cancer

Abstract

Objective To assess the effectiveness of PC‐SPES, a dietary supplement containing eight herbal extracts, which is a popular alternative therapy among patients with hormone‐refractory prostate cancer; anecdotal reports claim that this agent provides relief of metastatic pain, improvements in quality of life and reduction of prostatic specific antigen (PSA) level. Patients and methods Sixteen men treated for advanced metastatic prostate cancer (stage D3) with either orchidectomy or a luteinizing‐hormone releasing hormone agonist, with or without anti‐androgen, were enrolled into a prospective clinical trial to evaluate the possible toxic and beneficial effects of PC‐SPES. After hormone‐ablative therapy had failed, and with established disease progression, all patients received supplemental treatment with PC‐SPES (2.88 g daily) for 5 months. Hormonal therapy was continued throughout the trial to avoid the known withdrawal effect of anti‐androgen on PSA levels. Results The supplemental intake of PC‐SPES was associated with significant (P < 0.05–0.01) improvements in quality‐of‐life measures, reductions in patient’s pain ratings (P < 0.05–0.01), and a decline in PSA levels (P < 0.01), with no major side‐effects. Conclusions These results support the anecdotal reports of the beneficial effects of PC‐SPES as a comparable alternative to current management regimens in hormone‐refractory prostate cancer. However, no conclusions can be drawn about the long‐term effects of this new herbal therapy.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Cancer

“…It is difficult, if not impossible, for most readers to distinguish between reputable sources of information and promotions of unproven alternatives pushed by vested interests. 82 Complementary/Alternative Cancer Therapies Reflecting public interest in CAM and the need for vigorous research in this area, appropriations to the NCCAM rose from $2 million in 1992 to $50 million in 1999 and to $114 million for fiscal year 2003. Other governmental agencies, including the NCI, as well as private foundations, also support CAM research.…”

Rapid rise of serum prostate specific antigen levels after discontinuation of the herbal therapy PC‐SPES in patients with advanced prostate carcinoma

“…Median time to progression ranged from 4 to 6 months. [3][4][5][6] In the current report we describe four patients with androgen independent prostate carcinoma who experienced unexpectedly rapid and large increases in serum PSA within 1 month of discontinuing PC-SPES.…”

PC-SPES Inhibits Cell Proliferation by Modulating p21, Cyclins D, E and B and Multiple Cell Cycle-Related Genes in Prostate Cancer Cells

“…2,3 Positive outcomes, based on dramatic decline in serum PSA, were also noted in individuals with no prior endocrine therapy and patients whose cancers have progressed to the hormone refractory state. [4][5][6][7] These results suggest promising clinical leads and generate ample enthusiasm for considering its use as primary or adjuvant treatment for CaP. However, many scientific questions regarding the anti-prostatic properties of PC-SPES remain.…”

“…A popular choice in recent years was the herbal formulation, PC-SPES. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] PC-SPES is a mixture of seven Chinese and one American herb, respectively known as: Dendrantherma morifolium Tzvel; Ganoderma lucidium Karst; Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch; Isatis indigotica Fort; Panax notoginseng Burk; Rabdosia rubescens Hara; Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and Serenoa repens Small. 10,11 It was used by thousands of men suffering from locally advanced, and metastatic prostate cancer.…”

“…10,11 It was used by thousands of men suffering from locally advanced, and metastatic prostate cancer. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Surveys conducted by UsToo in 1997 and 1999 reported positive results in 88-93% of the respondents taking PC-SPES, as indicated by rapid and precipitous drop in serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels. 2,3 Positive outcomes, based on dramatic decline in serum PSA, were also noted in individuals with no prior endocrine therapy and patients whose cancers have progressed to the hormone refractory state.…”