Drug Made From Soybeans Could Halt Prostate Cancer

Researchers at Northwestern University have found that genistein, a natural chemical found in soy, inhibits prostate cancer cells from becoming metastatic and spreading to other parts of the body.

Advocates of holistic living have long championed the fact that food can be used to fight serious illnesses and diseases, including cancer. For the most part, traditional medicine has cautioned against these claims, but this new research might be proof that they can’t avoid.

The study examined 38 men that were diagnosed with localized prostate cancer. When administered once a day in pill form, one month prior to surgery, it was found that the soybean drug had beneficial effects on the prostate cancer cells.

When examined after surgery, researchers found that patients that received genistein enjoyed an increased expression of genes that suppress the invasion of cancer cells and decreased the expression of genes that enhance invasion.

Although the results are promising, scientists say that another phase of the study is needed to determine if the soybean drug can really prevent cancer cells from moving out of the prostate and into the rest of the body

If additional phases of the study are successful, it will be the first instance of a non-toxic drug that targets and inhibits cancer cell movement.

“If this drug can effectively stop prostate cancer from moving in the body, theoretically, a similar therapy could have the same effect on the cells of other cancers,” said Raymond Bergan, professor of hematology and oncology at Northwestern University.

Also check out:
The Benefits of Whole Soy
Top 10 Foods and Drinks for Cancer Prevention
Drug From Evergreen Tree Could Cure Breast Cancer

Like this story? Connect with Beth on Twitter or StumbleUpon!

Image Credit: Flickr – yomi955

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Marzia F.

8:34AM PDT on May 24, 2011

Good info

send a green star

Steven M.

4:37AM PST on Feb 4, 2011

Soy is good in moderation. Don't over do it to avoid the estrogenic effects. Also note that soy sprouts don't produce estrogenic effects that can cause hormone imbalance. But know that 90% of the US soy production is contaminated as a GMO crop, so be careful to insist on non-GMO soy products, as well as those that are not processed with hexane.

There are many wonderfully effective anti-cancer nutrients. Broccoli sprouts are fantastic due to the sulforaphane content. Another potent healing plant is aloe vera. See http://www.naturalnews.com/021858.html for some of the many benefits obtained by consuming this plant. My Mom's cancer multiplied by 12 times under chemo, but after just one month of high dose intake of aloe vera the tumors were completely gone. Unfortunately the chemo damaged her kidney, which led to complications resulting in her death. Aloe vera works so well against cancer, the FDA (i.e., big pharma) is so very afraid of it that they shut down a Texas doctor who was achieving an 80-94% cancer cure rate, on hospice patients no less!
http://www.naturalnews.com/028239_aloe_vera_FDA.html

Subscribe to the NaturalNews email newsletter for free and stay up to date on important topics such as these. You will also get details to call into the weekly free telecons featuring top-notch holistic doctors and other health advocates.

Priscilla G.

1:41AM PST on Dec 5, 2010

Yet another reason to eat Soybeans, Tofu, Miso etc

Natalie Away J.

1:32AM PST on Dec 5, 2010

This is great news, even more so because it's a non toxic one too.

12:58AM PST on Nov 30, 2010

A stitch in time saves 9 is an old saying. And it's true.

The government is trying to take our vitamins and supplements away from us. Here's praying they can't. And the truth is, if we do take that stitch in time, they can't. That's right, they can not take away our nutrition by taking away our vitamins if we have learned to turn to food and such.

If we know the right foods and such things as apple cider vinegar, olive oil, horseradish and such, we can supply the nutrients our bodies need without supplements and vitamins.

But what if the government does take away our vitamins and supplements and our bodies are suddenly deprived of the "little work" to get nutrition? How do you think our bodies are going to react when the easy and expected nutrition doesn't come and doesn't come and doesn't come. Suddenly deprived!

Me, I'm gradually withdrawing from supplements and relying on foods and such for my nutrition. I don't want my body to go into shock.

It isn't fear. It's common sense. I have nothing to lose by guiding my body into accepting and using foods and such. I have a lot to lose if the government wins and my body is suddenly deprived.

Personally, I think it's that 0 population growth thing! We are living too long to please some of the powers that be. Take away our supplements and we are no longer living too long might possibly be the postulate

Am I paranoid? I don't think so. I am unfortunate enough to be informed of what's happening on this plane

Lika S.

1:41AM PST on Nov 28, 2010

We like eating edamame here at our house, as well as miso (a soy bean paste for soup) and tofu, another soy product that can be made to taste like anything you want, combined with miso soup is awesome. It's also good for sour stomachs or for when you don't have the power to keep much down, and you don't want to be dehydrated, skip the gatorade and pedialyte. Drink/eat your miso soup with tofu (don't forget the stock, it's the secret ingredient) and your tummy is fully happy.

Follow these up with green tea from Japan, and it will further prevent cancer. Be healthy and happy!

jane r.

11:05PM PST on Nov 27, 2010

THANKS

Klaus P.

9:36PM PST on Nov 26, 2010

Will keep it in mind and copied the information, thanks.

Jo C.

3:54PM PST on Nov 22, 2010

Soya beans(POWDER) can be made into milk,bean curds -wet and dry is sold-sooo chinese supermarkets have them -easy to buy and not sooooooooo expensive.I love soya beam --wet or dry.Dry ones you can keep -soak and cook when needed

Edgar Z.

6:59AM PST on Nov 21, 2010

Another positive point in favor of soybeans.