Dr. Frank says the evidence involving cholesterol is strong - a finding he believes makes sense physiologically. "Cells need cholesterol to produce androgen hormones, and androgen hormones promote prostate cancer growth," he explains. "Perhaps more importantly, we also believe that tumors feed on cholesterol, and the more blood cholesterol is accessible, the more is available for tumor growth.

"Although this is a mouse study, numerous studies have shown the health benefits of controlling blood cholesterol levels and fat intake. This research suggests the same advice may offer some benefit for men at risk of developing prostate cancer or even diagnosed with prostate cancer," says Dr. Frank.

He adds statins that lower cellular cholesterol production may be one way to reduce prostate cancer progression - although that has yet to be demonstrated. Monitoring blood cholesterol levels of prostate cancer patients may also provide important information about cancer progression. "For example, tests showing a sudden drop in blood cholesterol is often indicative of the development of tumors," Dr. Frank adds.

Dr. Frank receives funding from the Jane Barsumian/Mary Lyons Trust and the Susan G. Komen Foundation; the first author, Gemma Llaverias Ph.D., was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. The other study co-authors are Christiane Danilo, M.S., Yu Wang, M.S., Agnes Witkiewicz, M.D., Kristin Daumer, M.S., and Michael Lisanti, M.D., Ph.D.

All researchers are from Thomas Jefferson University, are affiliated with the Kimmel Cancer Center, and declare no conflicts of interest.

Source: Thomas Jefferson University's Kimmel Cancer Center