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Molecular targets of isothiocyanates in cancer: recent advances

Parul Gupta1, Bonglee Kim, Sung-Hoon Kim

  • 1Department of Biomedical Sciences and Cancer Biology Center, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA.

Molecular Nutrition & Food Research
|February 11, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Isothiocyanates (ITCs) from cruciferous vegetables show promising anticancer effects. These natural compounds may prevent and treat cancer by inhibiting cell division and inducing apoptosis, with some ITCs progressing to clinical trials.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Nutritional Science
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell division due to aberrant signaling pathways.
  • Epidemiological studies suggest cruciferous vegetables reduce cancer risk.
  • Isothiocyanates (ITCs) are key active compounds in cruciferous vegetables, derived from glucosinolates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the preventive and therapeutic effects of Isothiocyanates (ITCs) in cancer.
  • To summarize mechanistic and clinical data on ITC anticancer properties.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical mechanistic studies on ITCs.
  • Analysis of available clinical trial data for ITCs.
  • Examination of epidemiological evidence linking cruciferous vegetables to cancer risk reduction.

Main Results:

  • ITCs demonstrate anticancer effects across various cancer types in preclinical studies.
  • Mechanisms include reactive oxygen species generation, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis induction.
  • Several ITCs have advanced to clinical trials, showing promise as natural anticancer agents.

Conclusions:

  • Isothiocyanates (ITCs) represent a promising class of natural compounds for cancer prevention and therapy.
  • Further clinical investigation is warranted to fully establish the therapeutic potential of ITCs.
Keywords:
BITCCancerIsothiocyanatePEITCSulforaphane

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