Lycopene Inhibits Prostate Cancer Cell Growth and PSA Velocity

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Researchers at Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China, have found that lycopene, a dietary antioxidant, inhibits prostate cancer cell growth and reduces prostate-specific antigen (PSA) velocity in men with prostate cancer. The study, published in the Chinese Medical Journal, examined the effect of lycopene on androgen receptor and PSA velocity in 41 patients with prostate cancer.

In the phase II pilot study, patients were given a lycopene supplement of 10 mg per day for one year, and their response was measured by observing changes in plasma PSA levels. The results showed that lycopene inhibited cell growth by 2.66% to 13.66% compared to the control samples. Furthermore, the addition of lycopene inhibited cell proliferation by 6.33% to 12.00% compared to the RPMI1640 medium group.

The study also found that lycopene inhibited the activity of the androgen receptor gene element in a dose-related manner, and its transcription was confirmed by androgen receptor element expression assayed by Western blotting. Regression slopes of (log) PSA vs. time decreased in 70% of the patients after supplementation, and a statistically significant decrease in slope was observed.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lycopene, a dietary antioxidant, inhibits prostate cancer cell growth and reduces PSA velocity in men with prostate cancer.
  • The addition of lycopene inhibited cell growth by 2.66% to 13.66% compared to the control samples.
  • Lycopene inhibited cell proliferation by 6.33% to 12.00% compared to the RPMI1640 medium group.
  • The study found that lycopene inhibited the activity of the androgen receptor gene element in a dose-related manner.
  • Regression slopes of (log) PSA vs. time decreased in 70% of the patients after supplementation.

Statistics:

  • 41 patients with prostate cancer were enrolled in the phase II pilot study.
  • Lycopene supplement of 10 mg per day was given to patients for one year.
  • The addition of 0.5 micromol/L, 5 micromol/L, 10 micromol/L, and 15 micromol/L of lycopene inhibited cell growth by 2.66%, 4.29%, 3.73%, and 13.66%, respectively.
  • Cell proliferation in the presence of 5 micromol/L, 10 micromol/L, and 15 micromol/L lycopene was inhibited by 8.12%, 6.33%, and 12.00%, respectively.
  • Regression slopes of (log) PSA vs. time decreased in 70% of the patients after supplementation.

Sources:

  • Zhang X, et al. (2010). Effect of lycopene on androgen receptor and prostate-specific antigen velocity. Chinese Medical Journal, 123(16), 2231-6.
  • Clinical Trials Week (2010). Lycopene inhibits prostate cancer cell growth and PSA velocity. NewsRx.com.