Prostate cancer is a serious health issue, especially with its high recurrence and metastasis rates. Metastatic Castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), in particular, is a more advanced stage of prostate cancer associated with limited prognosis and treatment options.
Despite advances in medical sciences, it remains a significant health challenge. However, a recent study found that oleocanthal could be a potential therapeutic agent for reducing the progression and recurrence of CRPC and metastasis.
In this blog from OLEOCAN™, we will explore the science behind this exciting discovery and what it could mean for the future of prostate cancer treatment.
Table of Contents:
- What is Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer?
- What is Oleocanthal?
- Oleocanthal and Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
- Compared to Other Therapeutic Agents
- A New Hope for Fighting mCRPC and other Cancers
- The Bioavailability of Oleocanthal
- Conclusion
People Also Ask:
Can oleocanthal cure cancer?
Dr. Goren and Dr. David Foster's research team have made a spectacular revelation: oleocanthal can kill cancer cells without compromising healthy, non-cancerous ones. This research shows that olive oil packed with oleocanthal can potentially kill cancer cells, whereas those lacking this component do not.
What is the best olive oil to fight cancer?
Extra Virgin olive oil (EVOO). Extra virgin olive oil is loaded with polyphenols, such as oleocanthal. While all EVOO's compounds, vitamins, and minerals are beneficial for health in general, research has identified oleocanthal as the most effective element in combating cancerous cells.
What is Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer?
Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC) is a complex and highly aggressive form of prostate cancer that occurs when the initial tumor has spread beyond the prostate gland, resulting in tumor growth in various parts of the body. mCRPC is defined as prostate cancer resistant to hormone therapy, regardless of its levels of metastasis.
Treatment for mCRPC can be invasive, including hormone-blocking and antihormone therapies, immunotherapy combinations, novel agents, and other experimental treatments. With early detection and effective treatment, mCRPC can be managed, and progression slowed or stopped. However, it is essential to note that mCRPC currently has no cure and must be monitored closely for its progression to stay under control.
What is Oleocanthal?
Oleocanthal is a natural polyphenol compound found only in extra virgin olive oil. It has been studied since its discovery in the late 1990s for its notable health benefits and exciting beneficial effects on various health concerns.
One of the earliest oleocanthal discoveries was that the compound’s polyphenols are similar to those associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Studies found that oleocanthal could be used as a natural anti-inflammatory agent, reducing the need for synthetic medications. Research also suggests that oleocanthal is beneficial for heart and brain health and can potentially kill off certain types of cancer cells.
Oleocanthal and Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Oleocanthal has been known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. Still, its effectiveness against prostate cancer was unknown until recently. In the summer of 2022, a study found that oleocanthal selectively reduced the viability and growth of prostate cancer cells, including mCRPC ones.
The compound did so by inhibiting the activity of SMYD2, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in regulating cancer cell growth and metastasis. By doing so, oleocanthal was able to limit the spread and aggressiveness of this aggressive prostate cancer.
Compared to Other Therapeutic Agents
The 2022 study compared oleocanthal's effectiveness against prostate cancer cells to enzalutamide, a commonly used anti-androgen drug for mCRPC. The findings showed that oleocanthal was as effective as enzalutamide but without the severe side effects associated with the latter.
Additionally, oleocanthal's activity on SMYD2 is unique, making it more potent against cancer cells' aggressiveness than other therapeutic agents.
A New Hope for Fighting mCRPC and other Cancers
The findings of this study are exciting, showing oleocanthal's potential as a therapeutic agent against mCRPC and metastasis. More research is needed to develop oleocanthal and related analogs as effective and safe anti-cancer agents.
However, these findings suggest that a simple modification, such as increasing oleocanthal intake, can potentially reduce the risks associated with prostate cancer. This suggestion highlights the importance of a healthy, balanced diet and the essential role of natural compounds like oleocanthal in fighting cancer.
The Bioavailability of Oleocanthal
While the study's findings are promising, oleocanthal's bioavailability remains a concern. While oleocanthal is in extra-virgin olive oil, it may not be enough for individuals to take advantage of the compound's desired therapeutic effects.
This is where oleocanthal supplements come in. At OLEOCAN™, we provide oleocanthal in supplement form derived from the purest extra virgin oil available. Our oleocanthal supplements are just that; supplements containing 100% oleocanthal and nothing more.
With alternative solutions like oleocanthal supplements becoming more available on the market, efforts are being made to develop oleocanthal analogs that can be used more effectively as therapeutic agents.
Conclusion
Prostate cancer is a serious health issue, especially among older men, and with the high rates of metastasis and recurrence, it remains a significant challenge to treat. But the promising results of a recent study have given new hope, showing how oleocanthal could fight CRPC and metastasis. The findings are exciting, and more research is needed to develop oleocanthal as a safe and effective anti-cancer agent.