|
Click Here
for more articles |
|
|
|
Lycopene Effective with Prostate Cancer Treatment |
|
by:Darin Ingels |
Men with prostate cancer who take
supplemental lycopene 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 Urology 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 more than 200,000 new cases each year in the United
States. The cause of prostate cancer, like many other cancers, is
unknown; however, some studies suggest alterations in testosterone
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, dribbling
after urination, sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder, or
blood in the urine. The symptoms of prostate cancer are similar to
those of a non-cancerous condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia
(BPH), so men experiencing these symptoms should consult their
physician for an accurate diagnosis.
In the new study, 54 men with advanced prostate cancer were randomly
assigned to have surgical removal of the testicles (orchidectomy) alone
or orchidectomy plus oral supplementation with 4 mg of lycopene a day.
Measurements of PSA (a blood marker of prostate cancer activity), bone
scans, and urinary flow were taken initially and every three months for
two years. Men receiving lycopene started on the day of their surgery.
After six months, PSA had significantly decreased in both groups,
indicating a reduction in prostate cancer activity. However, PSA levels
in those receiving lycopene were more than 65% lower than in those who
did not receive lycopene. After two years, PSA levels in the lycopene
treatment group had fallen into the normal range, while those who only
underwent surgery still had PSA levels more than twice the upper limit
of normal. Urinary symptoms significantly improved in both groups, but
better improvement was again observed in the lycopene group. The
lycopene group also experienced 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 observed 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 other similar
studies examining the effectiveness of lycopene in the treatment of
prostate cancer. However, the amount used in the current study (4 mg
per day) was substantially less than the amounts used in other studies
(30 mg per day). It may also help stimulate the immune system and has
been shown to cause cancer cells to die on their own. Although more
research is needed to clarify what amount of lycopene is most
effective, men with prostate cancer may benefit from taking daily
lycopene supplements. Eating one moderately sized tomato a day also
provides approximately 4 mg of lycopene. Other tomato products, such as
an 8-ounce portion of tomato juice or tomato paste may provide up to 25
mg of lycopene.
About the author:
Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue
University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr
University in Kenmore, WA. Dr. Ingels is the author of The Natural
Pharmacist: Lowering Cholesterol (Prima, 1999)
and Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol (Prima, 2000). He currently
is in private practice at New England Family Health
Associates located in Southport, CT, where he specializes in
environmental medicine and allergies. Dr. Ingels is a regular
contributor to Vitamin Herb University.
Circulated by Article Emporium
|
|
