February 3, 2004
Soybean Chemical May Treat Prostate Cancer
CHICAGO— Genistein is a chemical found in soybeans that blocks development of prostate cancer in laboratory models of the disease. Now, a Feinberg School of Medicine study will determine whether genistein is effective in the treatment of prostate cancer in humans.
The principal investigator for the study is Raymond C. Bergan, MD, assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology. Dr. Bergan also is director of experimental therapeutics at The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.
To qualify for the study, men must recently have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and plan to have surgery to remove their prostates. Participation in the study will not delay surgery.
Participants will take one pill a day, either before or after surgery. The effects of the study treatment on prostate cancer will be assessed in the laboratory.
For more information, call 312/908-5284.