In a study from the University of Texas, scientists found that for some men battling prostate cancer, drinking coffee may offer not just a quick pick-me-up but longer survival.
They found an association between a genotype that metabolizes caffeine quickly and longer survival from prostate cancer. That genotype is called CYP1A2 AA.
While there is a lot of interest in how diet and activity affect cancer risk, there aren’t many specific recommendations, especially for patients already diagnosed with cancer.
Past research on coffee and its potential health benefits, with antioxidants that may affect inflammation, made it an interesting subject.
In the new study, researchers used data from over 5,700 cases from seven studies.
Patients included those on active surveillance, where their cancer isn’t treated while it’s watched for change; those who were treated for their prostate cancer; and some patients who had cancer that had metastasized.
The researchers compared levels of coffee consumption, such as those who were considered high intake at two or more cups per day and those who were low intake at three or more cups per week.
They found high coffee intake was linked to longer prostate cancer-specific survival in men who had the CYP1A2 AA genotype.
Researchers say if a person is a coffee drinker and has prostate cancer, there’s no reason to stop drinking coffee and there may be some benefits.
About 268,000 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society, and about 34,500 will die.
Cases vary, but many men have their conditions monitored with what’s called active surveillance, testing for changes in cancer but not treating it. Sometimes there is never a need to intervene.
Those who may have greater risks because of genetics or for other reasons typically have surgery to remove the prostate or undergo radiation.
If you care about prostate cancer, please read studies about 5 types of bacteria linked to aggressive prostate cancer, and new strategies to treat advanced prostate cancer.
For more information about prostate cancer, please see recent studies about a new way to lower the risk of prostate cancer spread, and results showing three-drug combo boosts survival in metastatic prostate cancer.
The study was conducted by Dr. Justin Gregg et al and published in European Urology Oncology.
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