Dear Jimsy, Eddie & Forum Members,

Thank you for your posting on this supportive Forum.

I wonder what age you are, Jimsy?

When I was almost 76 (in July 2021), I was diagnosed with prostate cancer (PCA) following an MRI scan and subsequent  biopsy arranged by the ProstateTeam at a hospital in W.London.  In the grounds of the hospital is the famous "MAGGIES" - our new Queen Camilla visited their founding premises in Scotland last year.  About 15 members of "MAGGIES" meet up on the first Monday of each month to discuss their sitiuations with drinks and refreshments available (without charge).

I had been monitoring my PSA Blood Test results since the end of 2013 (when at that time it was about 2 μg/L) because a friend had told me about keeping an eye out for raised results.  I think that in past years, some GPs may not have always gone looking for prostate problems so much.

In May 2021 - June 2023, my PSA was averaging at about 6.2 μg/L then in October 2023, it rose to 7.09 μg/L  but this was followed by 5.93 μg/L in March 2024.   However, in May this year, it rose to 8.20 μg/L and I am having a repeat test in 7 days time at my GP Surgery.

In late 2021, I was going to have "HIFU" but at the last minute (literally - I was in my hospital gown!), the surgeon suggested that there might be the option of "Active Surveillance" instead as my problem was confined within the prostate perimeter.  I decided not to go ahead with the HIFU after all.  I was not in any event keen on having to have a catheter fitted, although I heard later at "MAGGIES" that patients have usually managed to tolerate this.

As I was not having any treatment at all, I researched the Internet for any possible herbs that might help reduce the unwanted proliferation of PCA cells and I read various scientific studies that have been published on the Web - printing off hundreds of pages!

Amongst the 40 odd herbs I presently take daily are:

Rosemary, Curcumin, Ginger, Green Tea, Berberine, Baicalein (Chinese), Oregano, Sulforaphan (Broccoli), Cayenne Pepper (Capsaicin), Mushrooms - Turkeytail/Shiitake/Chaga/Cordyceps/Maitake, Astragaloside IV, Betulinic Acid, MSM, Bilberry, Boswelia Serrata, Saffron, Willow Herb, Resveratrol, Quercetin, Beta-Sitosterol, Bromelain, Rosehip. Pygeum. Lypocene, Saw Palmetto, Modified Citrus Pectin, Stinging Nettle, Parsley, Garlic, Cinnamon, Milk Thistle and also Red Reishi Mushroom, Spearmint and Liquorice Root (the last three to lessen Testosterone).

I only hope that some of them might be making my body resist the rogue cells proliferating.  There does not seem to be any research done into herbal effects on PCA carried out by medical bodies in England.

As can be seen reading through the postings on the Forum, side effects from various treatments can be stressful.   Hopefully, some kind of immunotherapy can be employed for PCA avoiding Radiotherapy and ADT one day.  I don't know if the newer Proton Beam is available for PCA under the NHS which perhaps reduces damage to surrounding normal cells?

Regards, Victor  29th May 2024.

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Morning Victor lovely post with some good advice, one bit of advice to help, there are some artificial sweeteners  found in processed foods which some cancer cells are able to use to grow. Great to meet another Maggie's fan, I have been going for over a year and would, and do, recommend to everyone. PS i did have hormone an radiotherapy with no catheter but did have side effects, take care.

Eddie

Hey Eddiel, 

I just wanted to let you know that there is currently no convincing evidence that artificial sweeteners can cause cancer. I hope this article we have about artificial sweeteners and cancer will help explain this in more detail, but if you have any further questions, don't hesitate in giving our cancer nurses a call on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

Kind regards,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Two further studies:

Amongst my list of herbs which may or may not be helping my system lessen PCA proliferation are Betulinic Acid and Astragaloside IV.  The following extracts are on the Web:

"Betulinic acid inhibits prostate cancer growth through inhibition of specificity protein transcription factors - Betulinic acid is a pentacyclic triterpene natural product initially identified as a melanoma-specific cytotoxic agent that exhibits low toxicity in animal models. Subsequent studies show that betulinic acid induces apoptosis and antiangiogenic responses in tumors derived from multiple tissues; however, the underlying mechanism of action is unknown. Using LNCaP prostate cancer cells as a model, we now show that betulinic acid decreases expression of vascular endothelial growth (VEGF) and the antiapoptotic protein survivin. The mechanism of these betulinic acid-induced antiangiogenic and proapoptotic responses in both LNCaP cells and in tumors is due to activation of selective proteasome-dependent degradation of the transcription factors specificity protein 1 (Sp1), Sp3, and Sp4, which regulate VEGF and survivin expression. Thus, betulinic acid acts as a novel anticancer agent through targeted degradation of Sp proteins that are highly overexpressed in tumors."

"Astragalus membranaceus Bunge is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat various cancers. Astragaloside‑IV (AS‑IV) is one of the major compounds isolated from A. membranaceus Bunge and has been demonstrated to have antitumor effects by inhibiting cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis in various cancer types. Numerous studies have used in vitro cell culture and in vivo animal models of cancer to explore the antitumor activities of AS‑IV."

Most of the scientific studies that I have printed off of course contain texts only understandable by laboratory researchers but I have noticed texts that speak about "proliferation" being reduced etc.

Steph mentioned that there are some studies taking place in this country whereas almost all of the studies on the Web are from foreign countries' scientists.

Generally, in this country, we don't seem to be involved with herbs at all. Chinese Medicine shops in London are not always easy to navigate owing to language problems.  Some years ago, one Chinese preparation had to be withdrawn in the USA I think it was owing to other elements being discovered in the mix. The Prostate Team at my hospital say that they know nothing about herbs but do not discourage me from trying my luck.

Regards, Victor.  30th May 2024.

H Steph, I agree, but there are a very few artificial artificial sweeteners which some existing cancer cells  can break down and use part of to grow,

Eddie

H Steph, I agree, but there are a very few artificial artificial sweeteners which some existing cancer cells  can break down and use part of to grow,

Eddie