Dietary Flaxseed Alters Tumor Biological Markers in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer.
Dietary Flaxseed Alters Tumor Biological Markers in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer.
Year: 2005
Authors: Thompson, L.U., Chen, J.M., Li, T., Strasser-Weippl, K., Goss, P.E.
Publication Name: Clin. Cancer Res.
Publication Details: Volume 10, Number 11, Pages 3828-35.
Abstract:
Purpose: Flaxseed, the richest source of mammalian lignan precursors, has previously been shown to reduce the growth of tumors in rats.This study examined, in a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, the effects of dietary flaxseed on tumor biological markers and urinary lignan excretion in postmenopausal patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer.
Experimental Design: Patients were randomized to daily intake of either a 25 g flaxseed containing
muffin (n = 19) or a control (placebo) muffin (n = 13). At the time of diagnosis and again at definitive surgery, tumor tissue was analyzed for the rate of tumor cell proliferation (Ki-67 labeling index, primary end point), apoptosis, c-erbB2 expression, and estrogen and progesterone receptor levels. Twenty-four- hour urine samples were analyzed for lignans, and 3-day diet records were evaluated for macronutrient and caloric intake. Mean treatment times were 39 and 32 days in the placebo and flaxseed groups, respectively.
Results: Reductions in Ki-67 labeling index (34.2%; P = 0.001) and in c-erbB2 expression (71.0%; P = 0.003) and an increase in apoptosis (30.7%; P = 0.007) were observed in the flaxseed, but not in the placebo group. No significant differences in caloric and macronutrient intake were seen between groups and between pre- and posttreatment periods. A significant increase in mean urinary lignan excretion was observed in the flaxseed group (1,300%; P < 0.01) compared with placebo controls.The total intake of flaxseed was correlated with changes in c-erbB2 score (r = 0.373; P = 0.036) and apoptotic index (r = 0.495; P < 0.004).
Conclusion: Dietary flaxseed has the potential to reduce tumor growth in patients with breast cancer. Author's Abstract.
Experimental Design: Patients were randomized to daily intake of either a 25 g flaxseed containing
muffin (n = 19) or a control (placebo) muffin (n = 13). At the time of diagnosis and again at definitive surgery, tumor tissue was analyzed for the rate of tumor cell proliferation (Ki-67 labeling index, primary end point), apoptosis, c-erbB2 expression, and estrogen and progesterone receptor levels. Twenty-four- hour urine samples were analyzed for lignans, and 3-day diet records were evaluated for macronutrient and caloric intake. Mean treatment times were 39 and 32 days in the placebo and flaxseed groups, respectively.
Results: Reductions in Ki-67 labeling index (34.2%; P = 0.001) and in c-erbB2 expression (71.0%; P = 0.003) and an increase in apoptosis (30.7%; P = 0.007) were observed in the flaxseed, but not in the placebo group. No significant differences in caloric and macronutrient intake were seen between groups and between pre- and posttreatment periods. A significant increase in mean urinary lignan excretion was observed in the flaxseed group (1,300%; P < 0.01) compared with placebo controls.The total intake of flaxseed was correlated with changes in c-erbB2 score (r = 0.373; P = 0.036) and apoptotic index (r = 0.495; P < 0.004).
Conclusion: Dietary flaxseed has the potential to reduce tumor growth in patients with breast cancer. Author's Abstract.
