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An Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer Metastasis
06:48

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Lycopene and prostate cancer

M S Ansari1, S Ansari

  • 1Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Urology and Renal transplantation, Rae Breli Road, Lucknow-UP (226014), India. ansarimsa@hotmail.com

Future Oncology (London, England)
|March 25, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Lycopene, found in tomatoes, may help prevent prostate cancer by acting as an antioxidant. Further research is needed to confirm its role in cancer prevention and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Prostate cancer is a common malignancy with poorly defined preventive measures.
  • Dietary lycopene from tomatoes shows a potential inverse association with prostate cancer risk.
  • Lycopene's antioxidant properties may protect cells from damage by reactive oxygen species.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence for lycopene's role in prostate cancer prevention.
  • To explore lycopene's mechanism of action as an antioxidant.
  • To discuss the implications for future research and treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing cell culture, animal, epidemiologic, and case-control studies.
  • Analysis of lycopene's biochemical properties and antioxidant function.
  • Evaluation of conflicting study results and the need for further investigation.

Main Results:

  • Multiple studies suggest an inverse relationship between lycopene intake and prostate cancer risk.
  • Lycopene demonstrates potent antioxidant activity, neutralizing harmful free radicals.
  • Some studies present contradictory findings, but larger studies support a protective effect.

Conclusions:

  • Lycopene shows promise as a dietary agent for prostate cancer prevention.
  • Its antioxidant properties are key to its potential anticancer effects.
  • Large randomized trials are recommended to confirm lycopene's efficacy in prevention and treatment.

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