DIETARY FATTY-ACIDS AND PREVENTION OF HORMONE-RESPONSIVE CANCER

The results from some, but not all, epidemiological studies indicate t hat the level of dietary fat intake and the nature of the constituent fatty acids influence both breast and prostate cancer risk, and diseas e progression. These observations derive support from the use of anima l models, which demonstrate that polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acids s timulate mammary carcinogenesis and tumor growth and metastasis, where as long-chain omega-3 fatty acids exhibit inhibitory effects. While st udies of prostate cancer are less advanced, the available data are in agreement with those designed to evaluate the associations between bre ast cancer and dietary fatty acids. In both cases, a multiplicity of b iological actions of eicosanoids derived from tumor cell arachidonate metabolism appear to elicit responses, both in the tumor itself and in the host cells that subscribe to its microenvironment. This review co ncludes that clinical intervention trials designed to reduce total fat Intake and increase the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in th e diet should be targeted at groups at a relatively high risk for brea st or prostate cancer, and also at postsurgically treated cancer patie nts with the objective of preventing disease recurrence.