A high-fat diet does not influence the growth of the Dunning R3327-H transplantable prostate adenocarcinoma

Background: The etiology of prostate cancer is currently a mystery. Several epidemiological studies suggest a link between dietary fat and prostate cancer. In vitro and in vivo studies support this evidence. Using the Dunning model of rat prostate cancer we hypothesized that a high-fat diet (20%) would increase the growth of the R3327-H tumor. Materials and Methods: R3327-H tumors were implanted subcutaneously into male Copenhagen rats which were fed diets with 5 or 20% total fat. Tumors were allowed to grow for 16 weeks; they were then excised and weighed. The initial and final weights of the rats were also recorded. Results: Statistical analysis revealed the level of dietary fat was a positive predictor of weight gain (p < 0.01). No effect on tumor growth was seen when compared to dietary fat, fiber type, or the interaction of fat and fiber. Discussion: Growth of the R3327-H tumor, when implanted subcutaneously, is not affected by the level of dietary fat.