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Cancer InformationLycopene Effective with Prostate Cancer Treatment
by:
Darin Ingels
Men with prostate cancer who take supplemental carotenoid
in addition to surgical removal of the testicles may experience less active disease, less bone pain, and live longer than those who only have surgical removal of the testicles, according to a new study in British Journal of Medical speciality International (2003;92:375–8). This is exciting news for millions of men who have to undergo aggressive treatment for advanced prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men over the age of 50 years, with much than 200,000 new cases each year in the United States. The cause of prostate cancer, like many a different cancers, is unknown; however, several studies suggest alterations in androgenic hormone
metabolism may play a role in its development. Prostate cancer is generally slow growing and may not cause any symptoms until late in the disease. Symptoms may include frequent or painful urination, actuation after urination, sensation of incomplete evacuation of the bladder, or blood in the urine. The symptoms of prostate cancer are similar to those of a non-cancerous condition called benign ductless gland dysplasia
(BPH), so men experiencing these symptoms should consult their doc for an accurate diagnosis.
In the new study, 54 men with advanced prostate cancer were arbitrarily appointed
to have surgical removal of the testicles (orchidectomy) alone or ablation plus oral supplementation with 4 mg of carotenoid
a day. Measurements of PSA (a blood marker of prostate cancer activity), bone scans, and urinary flow were taken at first and every three months for two years. Men receiving carotenoid
started on the day of their surgery.
After six months, PSA had importantly
attenuate in several groups, indicating a reduction in prostate cancer activity. However, PSA levels in those receiving carotenoid
were much than 65% lower than in those who did not obtain lycopene. After two years, PSA levels in the carotenoid
treatment group had fallen into the normal range, patch those who only underwent surgery still had PSA levels much than double
the upper limit of normal. Urinary symptoms importantly
improved in several groups, but better improvement was once much determined in the carotenoid
group. The carotenoid
group as well fully fledged less bone pain.
The survival rates after two years in the lycopene-plus-surgery group and surgery-only groups were 87% and 78%, respectively, a statistically significant difference. No adverse side effects were determined in men taking lycopene.LycopeneLycopene is one of a group of compounds called carotenoids. It is found in high amounts in tomatoes.
The findings of this study corroborate the findings of different similar studies examining the effectiveness of carotenoid
in the treatment of prostate cancer. However, the figure used in the current study (4 mg per day) was considerably
less than the amounts used in different studies (30 mg per day). It may as well help stimulate the immune system and has been shown to cause cancer cells to die on their own. Tho'
much research is necessary to clarify what figure of carotenoid
is most effective, men with prostate cancer may benefit from taking daily carotenoid
supplements. Consumption one moderately fourpenny tomato a day as well provides around 4 mg of lycopene. Different tomato products, such as an 8-ounce portion of tomato juice or tomato paste may provide up to 25 mg of lycopene.
Just about the author:
Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and his Academic degree of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Dr. Ingels is the author of The Natural Pharmacist: Lowering Steroid alcohol (Prima, 1999)
and Natural Treatments for High Steroid alcohol (Prima, 2000). He presently
is in private practice at New European nation
Family Health
Associates set in Southport, CT, wherever
he specializes in environmental medicine and allergies. Dr. Ingels is a regular contributor to Vitamin Herb University.
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