Filed under: Health, Healthy Eating, Eat This
While it has been known for some time that cruciferous vegetables are cancer fighters, scientists have been working to find which compound actually does the work. This has lead to the discovery of several different compounds and their effects on cancer cells.
In the current study, published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research, the compound investigated is one called sulforaphane, extracted from broccoli and broccoli sprouts. The researchers found that, in both cell cultures and rodents, sulforaphane targeted and killed cancer stem cells and prevented new tumours from starting. They believe this may be an effective means of treating or preventing breast cancer.
These researchers believe that working on the cancer stem cells is the key when it comes to controlling cancer. The authors report that recent studies have built evidence toward the theory that many cancers are actually driven and sustained by a relatively small proportion of cancer stem cells.
“This research suggests a potential new treatment that could be combined with other compounds to target breast cancer stem cells. Developing treatments that effectively target the cancer stem cell population is essential for improving outcomes,” said Dr Max Wicha, lead researcher for the study.
Continue reading Broccoli: A Breast Cancer Fighter