Results of a new University of California study show that men who are at risk of prostate cancer can include more soy products such as tofu and soy milk in their diets.

Dr. Ralph deVere White, director of the University of California at Davis Cancer Center, presented the study at a meeting of the American Urological Association here and said that, although the initial tests were conducted on mice and need to be replicated on humans, “we are encouraged by these results.”

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more


The soy compound genistein, an isoflavone, slowed prostate growth in the test mice and caused prostate cancer cells to die.


”We’ve identified the mechanisms by which genistein may work in prostate cancer,” Dr. White said. ”While we are encouraged by these results, we need to test genistein in patients with prostate cancer to be certain of its effectiveness.”


Prostate cancer is estimated to kill more than 40,000 men in the United States each year. The American Cancer Society anticipates 334,500 new cases of prostate cancer in the U.S. this year.


Dr. White and a team of researchers now are evaluating the effects of genistein in men who have been diagnosed with slow-growing prostate cancer. The University of California at Davis Cancer Center will enroll 70 men in a pilot study to determine whether genistein can lower prostate specific antigen (PSA), a tumor marker widely used to find prostate cancer. Results of the further study are expected to be known next year.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Dr. White said it is unlikely that genistein alone can be used as a singular treatment for prostate cancer, which is the most common cancer among American men, but that he hopes genistein can be used with conventional anti- cancer therapy or preventive drug to combat prostate cancer.