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

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Published on: September 18, 2013

Is lycopene an effective agent for preventing prostate cancer?

Michael B Sporn1, Karen T Liby

  • 1Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 7650 Remsen, Room 524A, Hanover, NH 03755, USA. michael.b.sporn@dartmouth.edu

Cancer Prevention Research (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|March 14, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Lycopene, a compound in tomatoes, shows potential for prostate cancer prevention by inhibiting cell growth and inflammation. However, more clinical research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in men.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Lycopene is an open-chain carotenoid found in tomatoes.
  • It lacks retinoid activity but is investigated for anticarcinogenic properties.
  • Prostate cancer prevention is a key area of research for lycopene.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular and cellular biology of lycopene relevant to prostate cancer prevention.
  • To discuss findings on lycopene's effects on human prostate epithelial cells.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on lycopene's biological effects.
  • Analysis of studies investigating lycopene's impact on prostate epithelial cells, including gene expression and signaling pathways.

Main Results:

  • Lycopene induces antiproliferative, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory responses in human prostate epithelial cells.
  • It downregulates targets within the androgen receptor signaling pathway.
  • The exact role of lycopene versus its metabolites in conferring benefits remains unclear.

Conclusions:

  • Lycopene exhibits properties that support its potential role in prostate cancer prevention.
  • Current meta-analyses of clinical studies do not yet confirm lycopene's definitive use for prostate cancer prevention in men.

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