Atkins Diet and Prostate Cancer Clinical Trial

Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial of Carbohydrate Restriction Among Men Initiating Androgen Deprivation Therapy For Prostate Cancer

This study will test the hypothesis that a low-carbohydrate Atkins diet will prevent or at least minimize the metabolic consequences of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the standard treatment for advanced prostate cancer. While a very effective anti-cancer treatment, ADT is associated with significant toxicity including but not limited to major metabolic disturbances including impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and weight gain. We hypothesize that limiting carbohydrates within the diet will prevent or at least minimize these consequences.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the prostate
2. Scheduled to initiate ADT with an anticipated duration of ≥ 6 months
3. Overweight or obese (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Symptomatic metastatic disease
2. Myocardial infarction within 6 months
3. Treatment with medications known to affect insulin or glucose levels (i.e. insulin, oral hypoglycemics, prednisone, etc.)
4. Patient consuming a low-carbohydrate diet
5. Medical conditions or co-morbidities that preclude participation in the protocol
6. Vegetarians