Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026
An Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer Metastasis
Published on: September 18, 2013
A phase II study of sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprout extracts in men with recurrent prostate cancer
Joshi J Alumkal1, Rachel Slottke, Jacob Schwartzman
1OHSU Knight Cancer Institute Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3303 SW Bond Avenue, Portland, OR, 97239, USA, alumkalj@ohsu.edu.
Introduction:
Diets high in cruciferous vegetables are associated with lower risk of incidence of prostate cancer, including aggressive forms of this disease. Human intervention studies with cruciferous vegetable-rich diets also demonstrate modulation of gene expression in important pathways in prostate cells.
Purpose:
Sulforaphane is a constituent of these foods postulated to harbor the anti-neoplastic activity based on multiple tumor models. Our own work demonstrates that sulforaphane inhibits AR signaling in prostate cancer cells. Here, we report results from the first clinical trial of sulforaphane-rich extracts in men with prostate cancer.
Methods:
We treated 20 patients who had recurrent prostate cancer with 200 μmoles/day of sulforaphane-rich extracts for a maximum period of 20 weeks and determined the proportion of patients with ≥50% PSA declines, the primary endpoint. Only one subject experienced a ≥50% PSA decline. Thus, the primary endpoint was not achieved. Seven patients experienced smaller PSA declines (<50%). There was also a significant lengthening of the on-treatment PSA doubling time (PSADT) compared with the pre-treatment PSADT [6.1 months pre-treatment vs. 9.6 months on-treatment (p = 0.044)]. Finally, treatment with sulforaphane-rich extracts was safe with no Grade 3 adverse events.
Conclusions:
Treatment with 200 μmoles/day of sulforaphane-rich extracts did not lead to ≥50% PSA declines in the majority of patients. However, because of the safety of treatment and the effects on PSADT modulation, further studies, including those with higher doses, may be warranted to clarify the role of sulforaphane as a prevention agent or treatment agent.
Insights
Sulforaphane-rich broccoli extract did not significantly reduce prostate cancer markers in a clinical trial. However, it showed safety and modulated PSA doubling time, suggesting further research with higher doses may be beneficial.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nutritional Science
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Diets rich in cruciferous vegetables are linked to reduced prostate cancer risk.
- These vegetables modulate gene expression in prostate cells.
- Sulforaphane, a key compound, is investigated for its anti-neoplastic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of sulforaphane-rich extracts in men with prostate cancer.
- To assess sulforaphane's impact on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
- To report findings from the first clinical trial of sulforaphane in prostate cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- 20 patients with recurrent prostate cancer received 200 μmoles/day of sulforaphane-rich extracts.
- Treatment duration was up to 20 weeks.
- Primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with ≥50% PSA decline.
Main Results:
- The primary endpoint of ≥50% PSA decline was not met by the majority of patients.
- Seven patients showed smaller PSA declines (<50%).
- A significant increase in PSA doubling time (PSADT) was observed (6.1 to 9.6 months, p=0.044).
- Treatment was safe, with no Grade 3 adverse events.
Conclusions:
- Sulforaphane-rich extracts at 200 μmoles/day did not achieve significant PSA declines in most patients.
- The observed safety and PSADT modulation warrant further investigation.
- Future studies with higher doses may clarify sulforaphane's role in prostate cancer prevention and treatment.
