Private MD News

Nutrient in vegetables may inhibit cancer growth

Category: Prostate

Eating high amounts of broccoli and other green leafy vegetables can provide men with high levels of a nutrient that may lower their risk of receiving a positive PSA test for prostate cancer, according to a new study from researchers at Oregon State University.

Sulforaphane, the nutrient under investigation, has been shown by previous investigation to hinder the growth of tumor cells, but some questions remain as to the safety of the chemical in higher doses.

The present study answered these questions, showing that sulforaphane targets cancerous cells in the prostate, preventing them from growing, while leaving the healthy tissue that surrounds tumors healthy and untouched.

The researchers said that their findings represent an important step in the search for improved treatments for prostate cancer, as demonstrating the safety and efficacy of sulforaphane could pave the way for the development of new medications.

"It's important to demonstrate that sulforaphane is safe if we propose to use it in cancer prevention or therapies," said Emily Ho, who led the investigation. "This does appear to be a phytochemical that can selectively kill cancer cells, and that's always what you look for in cancer therapies."