A method and system used for treating proliferative disorders using carotenoids, carotenoid analogs, and/or carotenoid derivatives. The method and system may be used for chemoprevention and/or chemotherapy. The method and system may induce apoptosis in target cells, tissues, and/or organs. The analog, derivative, or intermediate may be administered to a cell, a group of cells, a tissue, an organ or a subject, such that at least a portion of the undesirable consequences of the proliferative disorder are thereby reduced.