Sulforaphane from Cruciferous Vegetables May Target Prostate Cancer

Sulforaphane is a compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli.  Researchers from Oregon State University and the Texas A&M Health Science Center report in the journal Oncogenesis (2014, Dec. 8;3:e131) a potential benefit for sulforaphane in treating metastatic prostate cancer.  While a number of previous investigations have suggested a protective role for the compound, the current study adds additional evidence to the possible effectiveness of sulforaphane in cancer therapy.  Researchers have identified an enzyme, SUV39H1,  in prostate cancer cells that is affected by exposure to the compound.   The amounts of sulforaphane provided by eating foods themselves are insufficient for cancer treatment, which would require supplemental doses.   An on-going trial involving the use of sulforaphane in men at high risk of prostate cancer will determine the safety of high-dose supplements.