The effects of GAC on the biochemical profiles and quality of life of metastatic prostate cancer patients

Purpose: In order to evaluate the effects of GAC, which is the combination of active hexose correlated compound (AHCC) and genistein combined polysaccharide (GCP), we investigated the changes in the biochemical profiles and the quality of life of prostate cancer patients with androgen suppression after the administration of GAC. Materials and methods: Thirty two eligible metastatic prostate cancer patients between the ages of 54 and 84 were enrolled in this study, and they were supplemented with 5g GAC per day (n=23) or placebo (n=9) for a 6 months period. Blood and urine sample analysis were taken and the quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy Scale Questionnaire (FACT-G) at baseline and at post intervention (after 3 and 6 months). Results: Twenty six patients (n=18 in the GAC group and n=8 in the placebo group) completed the 6 months intervention. No statistically significant adverse events were reported by the study participants. GAC had no significant effect on the serum biochemical parameters. However, all 7 GAC-treated hypercholesterolemic patients had their cholesterol level decreased after 3 months treatment (p < 0.02). Results of Comet assay showed significant decreases in tail moment (p < 0.009) and tail length (p < 0.004) at 6 months compared to baseline for the GAC group. Although the results of the VAS were inconsistent, the score for physical well-being was increased in GAC group on the FACT-G analysis (p < 0.05 between baseline and 3 months, respectively). Conclusions: Oral administration of GAC 5g per day for 6 months showed a decrease in DNA damage of blood lymphocytes and in the total serum cholesterol level in hypercholesterolemic patients without any significant influences on the serum biochemical parameters of the metastatic prostate cancer patients. Further studies on the role of GAC are necessary to clarify the advantage of GAC supplementation in prostate cancer patients with androgen suppression.