Clinical Pharmacist Role

The role of lycopene in fighting cancer has mainly come from the results of scientific research. Numerous studies were reviewed and the conclusions summarized in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 1999. Out of 72 studies, 57 suggested that there was an inverse relationship between tomato intake (which contain high concentrations of lycopene) and the risk of some cancers.

The cancers for which these benefits were strongest were for the prostate, lung, and stomach. The results were also suggestive of a benefit for cancers of the pancreas, colon and rectum, esophagus, oral cavity, breast, and cervix.

However because the data were mainly from observations, one could not conclude a cause and effect relationship.

There are two major divisions of pathology, clinical and anatomical. Clinical pathology diagnoses, monitors and confirms disease processes through use of microscopic study of tissue specimens, secretions, cells, and body fluids such as blood and urine. It is divided into sub-specialties, mainly chemical pathology or clinical chemistry, hematology, molecular genetics pathology, cytopathology, blood banking/transfusion medicine and clinical microbiology. Countries outside of the U.S. include the subspecialties of assisted reproductive technology, sperm bank, semen analysis, and immunopathology. U.S. CPs are certified through the American Board of Pathology which is made up of physicians from various specialties. Some countries outside of the U.S. allow other medical professionals, such as pharmacists, to receive licensing.

Each area of specialization has it own set of standards. Clinical chemistry focuses on study and analysis of body fluids. Chemical pathology focuses on hormone function, immune system and antibody function, as well as pharmacology. Hematology specialists work with blood banks to process donated blood, breaking it down into its various components so that it can be used. Medical microbiology studies bacteria, viruses and parasites and is closely related to the study of infectious diseases.