Lycopene and prostate cancer: an overview

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial

and is linked to risk factors such as age, diet, cigarette smoking, family history and the onset of oxidative stress.

In recent times, therefore, we are investigating the use of antioxidants as primary and tertiary prevention of

prostate cancer. Numerous studies in the literature focused on lycopene, a molecule belonging to the fam-

ily of carotenoids that is commonly found in tomatoes and products derived from it. The literature analyzed

in the last two years shows how lycopene inhibits different mechanisms linked to carcinogenesis and tumor

progression. However, there are still many points to be clarified the real antitumoral capacity of this substance.

Key words: lycopene, prostate cancer, antioxidants, oxidative stress, tomato

By: Francesco Carini, Marie Noel Zeenny, Margherita Mazzola, Benedetto Di Trapani, Vincenzo Palumbo, Alice Geagea Gerges, Emanuele Sinagra, Angelo Leone, Giovanni Tomasello