PC-SPES and prostate cancer

Urol Clin North Am. 2002 Feb;29(1):59-66, viii. doi: 10.1016/s0094-0143(02)00017-4.

Abstract

PC-SPES (Botanic Lab, Brea, CA) is a combination of eight herbal therapies with activity against prostate cancer, both in vitro and in vivo. Studies in human prostate cancer cell lines demonstrate significant dose-dependent decreases in cellular viability after exposure to extracts of PC-SPES. Clinical studies suggest that PC-SPES can reduce specific antigen levels in both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer patients. Toxicity is mild, thought there is an approximately 5% risk of thromboembolic events with treatment. Although PC-SPES has apparent estrogenic activity, controversy exists over the exact mechanism of its effects.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / therapeutic use*
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal*
  • Erectile Dysfunction / etiology
  • Forecasting
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent / drug therapy*
  • Plant Extracts / adverse effects
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / blood
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Plant Extracts
  • herbal preparation PC-SPES
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen