The Effect of Lycopene on Reducing the Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Prostate cancer is a major cause of cancer-related death in men globally.Lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes and related products, has strong antioxidant properties and may reduce prostate cancer risk.Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and ScienceDirect up to September 2024.Twenty-three observational studies involving 414,128 participants and 33,552 prostate cancer cases.Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-and fixed-effects models.Results: High dietary lycopene intake was significantly associated with reduced prostate cancer risk (OR=0.91,95% CI: 0.84-0.99,P=0.03), especially at >10 mg/day.Lycopene intake also reduced advanced prostate cancer risk (OR=0.88,95% CI: 0.78-0.99,P=0.04), notably at >15 mg/day.Serum lycopene levels were associated with prostate cancer risk (OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.73-0.96,P = 0.009).Greater risk reduction was seen in studies with >10 years follow-up (OR=0.92,P = 0.003). Conclusion:Higher lycopene intake and serum levels are associated with reduced prostate cancer risk.Notably, lycopene intake also appears to decrease the risk of advanced prostate cancer.These findings highlight its potential as a preventive dietary factor.