"The mice that were fed a no-carbohydrate diet experienced a 40 to 50 percent prolonged survival over the other mice," Freedland said.

Mice on the no-carbohydrate diet consumed more calories in order to keep body weights consistent with mice on the other study arms.

"We found that carbohydrate restriction without energy restriction - or weight loss - does indeed result in tumor growth delay," he said.

The researchers plan to begin recruiting patients at two sites - Duke and the University of California - Los Angeles - for a clinical trial to determine if restricting carbohydrate intake in patients with prostate cancer can similarly slow tumor growth. The trial should begin within a few weeks.

"It's very exciting - this is a potential new mechanism to fight prostate cancer growth and help patients live longer with their disease," Freedland said.

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