Zuo-Feng Zhang

MD, PhD

University of California - Los Angeles

Professor/Associate Dean, Epidemiology

PLCO (Learn more about this study)

PLCO-65

Feb 10, 2014

Pro-Inflammatory Dietary Factors in Prostate Cancer Susceptibility and Survival

Chronic inflammation promotes development and progression of prostate cancer. Dietary factors, in addition to environment and genetics, play a vital role in inflammation, and may have pro- or anti-inflammatory properties, thereby influencing carcinogenesis. For example, studies have shown that soybean and green tea, which are rich with antioxidants, have anti-inflammatory properties and are associated with a decreased risk for prostate cancer. On the other hand, meats cooked at high temperatures generate carcinogenic compounds. Heterocyclic amines present in well-done and charred meats were shown to induce mutations and accumulation of mast cells and macrophages in the ventral prostate. Additionally, a comprehensive review showed that men who consumed a significant amount of dairy products have an 11% increased risk for prostate cancer. Similarly, sugar induces systemic inflammation. In a recent study, fructose increased proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that high fructose intake triggers metabolic syndrome, and therefore, has a vital role in chronic disease.
In a preliminary study, we observed a potential association between high-fructose corn syrup intake and prostate cancer progression. Particularly, we see poorer survival among smokers, compared to nonsmokers (HR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.04-4.46). Previous findings have also shown that antioxidant-rich compounds, namely, green tea and garlic, are associated with reduced cancer risk. In this study, we aim to use PLCO data prospectively to explore the association between dietary factors, and risk and prognosis of prostate cancer through analysis of clinical and questionnaire data. Because screening is highly influential in prostate cancer prevention, we will determine if being in the screening arm offsets the detrimental effect of pro-inflammatory foods on prostate cancer survival.