In 2004, after my failed prostatectomy, I came across the Life Extension protocol for PCa (at that time). It included their Ultra Soy Extract. 5 caps provided a massive amount of genistein. LEF suggested taking this 4 times daily. I think that one bottle was $75 & I would need 4 for a month. I didn't want to bankrupt my widow, but I was persuaded by a friend to give it a try.
I read what I could on genistein. Salvage radiation was in my future, so I was very interested in a 2001 study [2].
"The effect of the combined treatment was more pronounced than with genistein or radiation alone. Our data indicate that genistein combined with radiation inhibits DNA synthesis, resulting in inhibition of cell division and growth. Genistein can augment the effect of neutrons at doses approximately 2-fold lower than photon doses required to observe the same efficacy. These studies suggest a potential of combining genistein with radiation for the treatment of localized prostate carcinoma."
I took the product during radiation. The radiologist couldn't care less.
As it happened, I could never handle 4 doses in a day. I fell back to 1. After a while LEF changed the dosage to once daily. lol
From that time, it's been a puzzle to me that BigPharma has shown no interest in investigating phytochemicals to "potentiate" their products. One would think that looking for natural products to inhibit drug resistance could be a lucrative effort. But no, they would prefer to research analogs that could be patented. Too bad that 2,4, 6-trihydroxy-alpha-p-methoxyphenylacetophenone, a genistein analog, didn't pan out.
For those with the time & inclination, the new full-text paper is a good read.
For those with radiation in their future, it's a must, imo
When BigPharma hits on an analog of a common supplement that they can market, we might have to pay thousands of $$$ monthly.
My point was that this is the mindset. As far as I can tell, there is no interest in supplements as a means of extending the life of a PCa drug. (Or in repurposing old drugs for that purpose.)
It is well-established in PCa & BCa studies that physiological levels of genistein, e.g. from dietary soy, promote cancer growth, whereas pharmavological doses, i.e. from a high-dose extract, inhibit growth. I wouldn't eat a soy-based meal.
Milken has actually survived 30 year. He was diagnosed after his prison term ended in 1993.
The main benefit of genistein in active surveillance or ADT, is that it is a ligand for the protective beta estrogen receptor, which might still be present in the early stages.
Another benefit is if the PCa cells have become hypermethylated. Genistein can demethylate cancer cells.
A third benefit is that genistein can inhibit certain survival pathways that are induced by aggressive treatment.
Milkin's book was essentially a cook book and never mentioned super high doses. This was one of my first stops after diagnosis and led to a dead end. I could not find any web based info on what helped him survive for 30 years.
He emerged from prison a very wealthy man and was willing to spend freely in areas where he might see benefit. "Philanthropy" is not the word I would use, since his spending was based on self-interest.
"With a net worth of $6 billion as of 2022, he is ranked by Forbes magazine as the 412th richest person in the world"
Crime (he was convicted of racketeering & fraud) does pay, and that kind of money will open doors to virtually anyone in the PCa world - in spite of his history.
After diagnosis he understandably went through a soy phase. A lot of research was being done on potential reasons why men in Japan & China had such low risks for PCa. (With increasing affluence, that has changed somewhat.) Up until my surgery, my wife was following recipes from his cookbook. As I acquired wider knowledge from PubMed, I started to view soy as a dead end. It would be interesting hear his view, though.
A big problem with soy-based meals is that the amount of genistein is too low. Genistein may promote growth at those levels. Genistein has been found to have a biphasic effect in prostate & breast cancer studies. Doses have to be very high.
Just joined, but re above, may want to check-out Equol, re breast & PCa. One theory why PCa so much lower in Japan, etc., is the % of equol producers -- ability to convert soy to equol -- is maybe 70+ %, vs in U.S. of 30%.
Considerable info online re Equol & PCa / breast cancers, going back at least 20 years. Only product I'm aware of with AMAZON link below (Can be purchased via other sellers at much lower prices:0
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The Warburg Effect [an increase in the rate of glucose uptake and preferential production of lactate, even in the presence of oxygen.]
