Journal Article

Phase II Trial of Acai Juice Product in Biochemically Recurrent Prostate Cancer

Chronister, Nicole, Glode, L. Michael, Gao, Dexiang, Flaig, Thomas W., Wacker, Michael, Crawford, E. David, Anduha, Mary, Maroni, Paul, Lam, Elaine T., Kessler, Elizabeth R., Su, Lih-Jen, Torkko, Kathleen C.

2018

Overview

Background: Plant derivatives have been studied as therapies for prostate cancer based on their purported anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and low toxicities. The acai berry is an example of a plant rich in phytochemicals, which may slow the growth of prostate cancer. Methods: This was a phase II, Simon 2-stage clinical trial in patients with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer with a primary endpoint of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response. Patients were asymptomatic, with a rising PSA of at least 0.2 ng/mL, and were treated with twice daily intake of Acai Juice Product until PSA progression, with a primary endpoint of PSA response. Results: Twenty-one patients were enrolled in the first stage of the trial. One of those patients had a PSA response within the study time period. The PSA doubling time was lengthened in 71% of patients (95% confidence interval = 48% to 89%) on the trial, and in a small number of responders, this was sustained over an extended time. Conclusions: This study did not meet its primary endpoint of 50% PSA response. Nevertheless, the overall tolerability and effects on PSA stabilization warrant further exploration in a biochemically recurrent population.

• Publisher: SAGE Publications,SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC,SAGE Publishing
• Subject: Berries / Prostate cancer