Antitumor Activity of β-Carotene, Canthaxanthin and Phytoene

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Abstract
Mice were given either β-carotene or either of two carotenoids with no vitamin A activity – canthaxanthin or phytoene – or placebo. Skin tumors were induced in each group by each of three methods: (1) UV-B (290–320 nm); (2) dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)/croton oil applications; (3) DMBA followed by low-dose UV-B. For tumors induced by UV-B alone, β-carotene-phytoene- and canthaxanthin-treated mice developed fewer tumors per mouse, with a delay in tumor appearance, than did control mice. For tumors induced by DMBA/croton oil or DMBA/UV-B, mice receiving β-carotene showed a significant difference in tumor numbers and appearance time from placebo mice; phytoene and canthaxanthin treatment had no effect.