Plant-based diets and disease progression

Plant-based diets are associated with many benefits, including primary prevention of fatal prostate cancer. Less is known about post-diagnostic plant-based diet patterns in individuals with prostate cancer. This longitudinal observational cohort study included men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer.

Data from over 200 participants enrolled at 43 urology practices across the US was analyzed.

Men scoring in the highest vs lowest quintile of plant-based diet index (PDI) had a 47% lower risk of cancer progression. Among 680 individuals with Gleason grade 7 or higher at diagnosis, those in the highest 20% of the plant-based diet group was associated with a 55% lower risk of progression than those in the lowest 20%. However, no association was noted in individuals with Gleason grade less than 7.

In this study, higher intake of plant foods after prostate cancer diagnosis was associated with lower risk of cancer progression. These findings suggest nutritional assessment and counseling may be recommended to patients with prostate cancer to establish and reinforce healthy dietary practices and support overall health.

JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(5):e249053. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.9053