Broccoli-Derived Sulforaphane and Chemoprevention of Prostate Cancer: From Bench to Bedside

Abstract

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a metabolic byproduct of cruciferous vegetables and is the biologically active phytochemical found in high concentrations in broccoli. It has been studied extensively for its anticancer efficacy and the underlying mechanisms using cell culture and preclinical models. The immediate precursor of SFN is glucoraphanin, a glucosinolate which requires metabolic conversion to SFN. SFN and other notable isothiocyanates (ITCs), including phenethyl isothiocyanate and benzyl isothiocyanate found in various cruciferous vegetables, have also been implicated to have a chemopreventive role for breast, colon, and prostate cancer. In vitro and in vivo anticancer activity of this class of compounds summarizing the past two decades of basic science research has previously been reviewed by us and the others. The present review aims to focus specifically on SFN and its chemopreventive and antineoplastic activity against prostate cancer. Particular emphasis in this communication is placed on the current status of clinical research and prospects for future clinical trials with the overall objective to better understand the clinical utility of this promising chemopreventive nutraceutical in the context of mechanisms of prostate carcinogenesis.