The Efficacy of PC-SPES, Herbal Supplement, in Androgen-independent Prostate Cancer

Kim, Jin Hyun; Choi, Han Yong

Abstract

PURPOSE: PC-SPES is a dietary supplement containing eight herbal extracts. We evaluate the effectiveness and side effect of PC-SPES in androgen- independent prostate cancer.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 22 androgen-independent prostate cancer patients were treated with PC-SPES (two capsules, two times daily, 1,280mg/day). The clinical outcome after PC-SPES intake was evaluated by measuring serial serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and side effects.
RESULTS
Among the 22 patients, 18 (81.8%) experienced a post-treatment decline in PSA and for 7 patients the decline was greater than 50%. The mean pre-treatment PSA level of the 18 responders was 352.4ng/ml (range, 10.8 to 1,140ng/ml). The initial decline of PSA level was attained at 4.2 weeks (range, 4 to 8 weeks). The mean value of nadir PSA was 205.4ng/ml (range, 5.9 to 737ng/ml) which was attained at 7.8 weeks (range, 4 to 20 weeks). The median duration of PSA decline was 12 weeks (range, 4 to 44 weeks). During the treatment period, gynecomastia was noticed in 2 patients and cerebrovascular accident recurred in one patient with previous cerebral infarction history. There were no other adverse symptoms such as headache and facial flush.
CONCLUSIONS
PC-SPES can reduce serum PSA level without severe side effects in androgen-independent prostate cancer patients, and therefore it can be considered as an alternative treatment modality in these patients.