Research Type: Prostate Cancer
Project Description
Prostate cancer is very common and many men are diagnosed with slow-growing disease that does not require immediate treatment. These men are monitored for progression (termed “active surveillance”). Their disease may worsen and require treatment that can negatively affect their quality of life. Some studies suggest that dietary factors, such as coffee intake, may delay or stop the cancer from worsening. Dr. Gregg hypothesizes that some “metabolites” observable in patients’ blood, after drinking coffee, may alter the risk of prostate cancer progression. Dr. Gregg will study metabolite levels and caffeine metabolism-related genes to determine their impact on disease course in men diagnosed with prostate cancer and under active surveillance. These results will guide future clinical trials in which men with prostate cancer may be prescribed coffee intake, to study the effect on untreated tumors. This may lead to incorporation of coffee in prostate cancer treatment plans.
