Broccoli Compound Targets Breast Cancer Stem Cells

Research has revealed that sulforaphane, a compound derived from broccoli and broccoli sprouts, targets and kills breast cancer stem cells, the cells that promote tumor growth. Duxin Sun Ph.D., associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy and a researcher with the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, and colleagues tested the compound in mice with breast cancer and on cultured human breast cancer cells. Results showed that treatment with sulforaphane led to a significant drop in the cancer stem cell population and prevented the development of new tumors. Furthermore, the compound had little effect on normal cells. The authors concluded: "These findings support the use of sulforaphane for the chemoprevention of breast cancer stem cells and warrant further clinical evaluation."