Men with prostate cancer who take supplemental lycopene in addition to surgical removal of the testicles could experience less active disease, less bone infliction, and live lengthier than those who only have surgical removal of the testicles, based on data from a new learn in British Journal of Urology International (2003;92:375?8). This is exciting news for hundreds to thousands of men who have to undergo aggressive coarse of action for advanced prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the common cancer detected in men across the age of fifty years, with even more than 200,000 new cases every year in the United States. The cause of prostate cancer, like many more cancers, is unknown; however, a select few studies indicate alterations in testosterone metabolism can play a role in its development. Prostate cancer is typically slow growing and might not cause any symptoms until late in the disease. Symptoms could include frequent or even painful urination, dribbling after urination, sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder, or even 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 learn, fifty four men with advanced prostate cancer were randomly assigned to have surgical removal of the testicles (orchidectomy) alone or even orchidectomy + oral supplementation with four mg of lycopene a day. Measurements of PSA (a blood marker of prostate cancer activity), bone scans, and urinary flow were taken initially and each 3 months for both years. Men getting lycopene began on the day of their surgery.
After 6 months, PSA had significantly decreased in both groups, indicating a reduction in prostate cancer activity. All the same, PSA levels in those getting lycopene were even more than sixty-five percent lower than in those who didn't receive lycopene. After both years, PSA levels in the lycopene coarse of action group had fallen into the normal range, while those who only underwent surgery however had PSA levels even more than twice the upper limit of normal. Urinary symptoms significantly improved in both groups, however better improvement was again observed in the lycopene group. The lycopene group also experienced less bone infliction.
The survival rates after 2 years in the lycopene-plus-surgery group and surgery-only groups were eighty seven percent and seventy eight percent, respectively, a statistically important difference. No adverse side effects were observed in men taking lycopene.LycopeneLycopene is 1 of a group of compounds called carotenoids. It's detected in high numbers in tomatoes.
The findings of this survey corroborate the findings of more similar studies examining the effectiveness of lycopene in the coarse of action of prostate cancer. Nonetheless, the amount wore in the current survey (4 mg per day) was substantially less than the numbers utilized in more studies (30 mg per day). It might as well help stimulate the body and has been shown to cause cancer cells to die on their have. Even though even more research is needed to clarify what amount of lycopene is virtually all efficient, men with prostate cancer will advantage from taking daily lycopene supplements. Eating 1 moderately sized tomato a day also will bring about four mg of lycopene. More tomato products, like an 8-ounce part of tomato juice or even tomato paste could provide higher to twenty-five mg of lycopene.
Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor?south degree from Purdue University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Dr. Ingels is andy skinner of The Natural Pharmacist: Lowering Cholesterol (Prima, 1999) and Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol (Prima, 2000). He now is in personal practice at New England Family Health Associates pinpointed in Southport, CT, where he specializes in environmental medicine and allergies. Dr. Ingels is a regular contributor to Vitamin Herb University.
Article source: http://www.topiccenter.com/Health-and-Fitness/Men's-Issues/