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Broccoli Blocks Prostate Cancer Cells
May 20, 2003 -- Broccoli, cauliflower, kale -- known in the veggie world as cruciferous -- do seem to fight cancer. A new study finds that those vegetables contain chemicals that block the growth of human prostate cancer cells, and could aid in cancer prevention.
The study appears in the June 6 issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry.
In fact, several studies have pointed to the cancer-prevention properties of phytochemicals found in these vegetables, writes lead researcher Hien T. Le, PhD, a molecular biologist with the University of California at Berkeley.
Consumption of cruciferous vegetables has been linked with prevention of cancers of the breast, endometrium, colon, and prostate, he says.
A major active compound found in these veggies -- called indole-3-carbinol or 13C -- has shown promising cancer-prevention properties both in petri dish and animal studies, he says. The compound is converted in the body to something called DIM, which in this case acts as a powerful male hormone blocker and stops the prostate cancer cells from growing and dividing.
In this series of petri-dish studies, Le found that when 13C was digested in the body, it reduced the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the cancer cells. PSA is used as an indicator of prostate cancer activity.
In fact, the treated cancer cells grew 70% less than the untreated cancer cells, he says.
His studies show that these chemicals are "novel, naturally occurring" and could have potential in cancer prevention or treatment, he says.
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Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
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