Anti-carcinogenic and anti-metastatic properties of indole-3-carbinol in prostate cancer

Oncol Rep. 2005 Jan;13(1):89-93.

Abstract

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a compound present as glucobracissin in cruciferous vegetables has anticancer activities which is in line with some of the epidemiological evidence that suggests a beneficial effect of consumption of cruciferous vegetables on cancer incidence and progression. The precise target of indole-3-carbinol has not been determined. We examined the effect of I3C on prostate cancer in a well-defined R3327 model using Copenhagen rats and the transplantable cell line, MAT-LyLu. This cell line derived from a tumor in Copenhagen rats is androgen independent and metastasizes to the lung and lymph nodes. Tumors were induced in Copenhagen rats by injecting MAT-LyLu subcutaneously and the animals treated with I3C that was administered either intraperitoneally or intravenously, in order to achieve maximal systemic exposure. This was a departure from the traditional chemopreventive route of indole-3-carbinol where the compound was incorporated in the diet. Our results indicate that I3C inhibited the incidence, growth and metastases of MAT-LyLu cells and both i.p. and i.v. injections of I3C were equally effective. Statistical analysis (Kaplan-Meier curves) clearly indicates a tumor-free and overall survival benefit as a result of treatment with I3C. These studies show for the first time that I3C in an injectible form has anti-prostate cancer activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anticarcinogenic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Indoles / therapeutic use*
  • Lung Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Lung Neoplasms / secondary
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Anticarcinogenic Agents
  • Indoles
  • indole-3-carbinol