Researchers have shed light on the effectiveness of a non-toxic, botanical formula in treating human prostate cancer in an animal model. According to the study, the botanical formula controls aggressive human prostate tumours in mice. Researchers at Indiana University, Methodist Research Institute, showed the prostate formula significantly suppresses tumour growth in aggressive, hormone-refractory (androgen-independent) human prostate cancer cells. The study also demonstrated the formula has no toxic side effects, even at high dosages. "This study is a milestone in the research of this formula, demonstrating its safety and effectiveness in treating human prostate cancer in an animal model," said researcher and formula inventor Dr. Isaac Eliaz. "These positive results offer a significant contribution to prostate cancer research and add to the growing body of published data substantiating the role of natural compounds in the treatment of prostate cancer." The formula combines botanical extracts, phytonutrients, botanically-enhanced medicinal mushrooms and antioxidants. This is the third study from a major university to demonstrate the formula's ability to suppress tumour growth and metastasis. "Multiple studies have demonstrated that this prostate formula is a possible treatment for hormone-refractory prostate cancer," said lead researcher, Dr. Daniel Sliva. The study found that the orally-administered formula suppressed tumour growth by 27 percent, compared to controls. In addition to significant reduction in tumour volume, the formula inhibited several genes (IGF2, NRNF2 and PLAU/uPA) that encourage cancer proliferation and metastasis. The formula also increased expression of CDKN1A, a gene that fights prostate cancer by inhibiting cancer-promoting cellular mechanisms. By suppressing genes related to aggressive prostate cancer growth and proliferation, and increasing the expression of cancer-fighting genes, the formula demonstrates multiple anti-cancer mechanisms and genetic targets. This pre-clinical in vivo study confirms previously published in vitro data, which showed the formula decreases the expression of PLAU/uPA genes in aggressive, hormone-independent prostate cancer cells. Prior to this research, the formula was studied at Columbia University and the Cancer Research Laboratory, Methodist Research Institute, at Indiana University Health. These studies also showed the formula inhibits prostate cancer growth and proliferation. The study has been published in The International Journal of Oncology.