Soy 'breakthrough' coming?

Better Nutrition, Sept, 2004

This just in from our "what will they be researching in the future?" department: University of California Davis Cancer Center researchers plan to investigate whether a genistein-rich food--derived from soybeans and shiitake mushrooms--can help slow or even halt the progression of early prostate cancer.

A special genistein compound called GCP, or genistein concentrated polysaccharide, has been used in Korea and Japan as a complementary therapy but without real evidence of effectiveness. A preliminary study presented in the February 2004 issue of Urology showed promise.

If the research outcome is conclusively positive for the soy component, it should be hailed as a major breakthrough. It would offer a safe and effective alternative to "watchful waiting"--essentially doing nothing--for men with high PSA counts (an indication of progressing prostate cancer) whose conditions don't yet warrant radiation therapy or surgery.