Harnessing Nature's Therapeutic Potential: A Review of Natural Products in Prostate Cancer Management

• Published in: Urologic oncology 2025-01
• Main Authors: Metri, Nicole A., Mandl, Adel, Paller, Channing J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: clinical trials; complementary medicine; dietary supplements; natural products; prostate cancer
• ISSN: 1078-1439; 1873-2496; 1873-2496
• DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2024.12.260

•Natural products are well-studied for prostate cancer prevention but less for therapy•Natural products are used to complement conventional therapies in prostate cancer•Natural products show promise in preclinical studies but limited efficacy in trials•Translating preclinical findings into clinical practice remains a challenge•Well-designed trials are needed to assess toxicity and efficacy of natural products Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death among men in the United States. The global burden of this disease is rising, placing significant strain on healthcare systems worldwide. Although definitive therapies like surgery and radiation are often effective, prostate cancer can recur and progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer in some cases. Conventional treatments for prostate cancer often have substantial side effects that can greatly impact patients’ quality of life. Therefore, many patients turn to complementary therapies to improve outcomes, manage side effects, and enhance overall well-being. Natural products show promise as complementary treatments for prostate cancer, offering anti-cancer properties with a low risk of adverse effects. While preclinical research has produced encouraging results, their role in prostate cancer treatment remains controversial, largely due to inconsistent and limited success in clinical trials. This review explores the mechanisms of action of key natural products in prostate cancer management and summarizes clinical trials evaluating their efficacy and safety. It underscores the need for high-quality, rigorously designed, and adequately powered studies to validate the therapeutic potential and safety of these supplements in cancer care. Additionally, we propose future directions to enhance their role in addressing the complex challenges associated with prostate cancer.