Lycopene and Beta-Carotene’s Effects on Cancer and its Micro-Environment and Their Potential Use as Cancer Therapies

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the main cause of death among women and chemotherapy frequently yields poor results with toxic side effects and financial strain. Hence, there is a focus on using alternative therapies against cancer such as natural plant extracts. Prime examples are Lycopene (in tomatoes) and Beta-Carotene (in carrots). Studies have indicated an inverse association between their consumption and the risk of cancers. Therefore, the aim is to analyze the effects of Lycopene and β-Carotene on breast cancer and its microenvironment. Furthermore, to study the mechanisms that Lycopene and Beta-Carotene use to induce their anti-cancer effects. 25μM Lycopene and Beta-Carotene was found as an effective dose that led to decreased migration in T47D cells while not effecting HFF. Lycopene upregulated the expression of p53 proteins, Beta-Carotene downregulated Bcl-2 and both downregulated Cyclin-D1.