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Tomato-based randomized controlled trial in prostate cancer patients: Effect on PSA
Ingvild Paur1, Wolfgang Lilleby2, Siv Kjølsrud Bøhn1
1Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, PO Box 1046, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway.
Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland)
|July 14, 2016
Summary
A three-week tomato intervention, rich in lycopene, may lower prostate specific antigen (PSA) in some prostate cancer patients. The effect appears dependent on disease aggressiveness and blood levels of lycopene, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The role of lycopene-rich foods in prostate cancer prevention and progression is not fully understood.
- Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a key biomarker for prostate cancer management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a lycopene-rich tomato intervention on PSA levels in prostate cancer patients.
- To explore potential correlations between intervention effectiveness, disease characteristics, and blood nutrient levels.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial involving 79 prostate cancer patients prior to curative treatment.
- Intervention groups received daily tomato products (30 mg lycopene) or tomato products plus supplements (selenium, omega-3s, etc.) for three weeks.
- A control group received a standard diet.
Main Results:
- Overall analysis showed no significant PSA change between intervention and control groups.
- Post-hoc analysis revealed a significant PSA decrease in intermediate-risk patients receiving tomato products.
- Higher blood levels of lycopene, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids correlated with PSA reduction.
Conclusions:
- Tomato-based nutritional interventions can reduce PSA levels in non-metastatic prostate cancer patients.
- The efficacy of these interventions may be influenced by disease aggressiveness and individual nutrient absorption.
