Novel antioxidant technology for prostate cancer chemoprevention and treatment

The mechanisms underlying prostate carcinogenesis are not firmly elucidated. An exciting area of research in this regard asks whether prostate cancer results from the consequences of lifelong exposure of prostate tissue to oxidative stress. This article reviews the laboratory-based literature on oxidative stress and its possible role in prostate carcinogenesis. The progression of clinical studies focusing on the relationship between antioxidant supplementation and risk of developing prostate cancer are discussed, along with the patent literature since 2003 involving novel antioxidant technology applicable to prostate cancer prevention and treatment. In particular, recently published in vitro experiments with a novel α-tocopherol analogue, 2,2,5,7,8-pentamethyl-6-chromonal, which characterised its unique spectrum of antioxidant and antiandrogen properties in prostate cancer cell lines, is discussed. In addition, recent patent applications and supporting findings from the literature surrounding: i) cisplatin tocopherol compounds; ii) coix seed soft capsules with vitamin E; iii) vitamin E succinate (α-tocopheryl succinate); iv) lycopene preparations with other carotenoids; v) compounds of the ginger family; vi) novel aryl-carbaldehyde oxime derivatives; vii) novel phenyl quinoline derivatives; and viii) resveratrol, its derivatives and preparations thereof are dicussed as they relate to prostate cancer chemoprevention and treatment.