Isothiocyanates (ITCs) are phytochemicals produced from the hydrolysis of glucosinolates,
which are found at high concentrations in cruciferous vegetables. Vegetables of the Cruciferae family
include, among others, broccoli, cauliflower, gardencress, watercress, and cabbage. A number of studies
using animal models have suggested that certain ITCs are capable of preventing breast, lung, and
prostate carcinogenesis. Additionally, certain ITCs such as sulforaphane (SFN), benzyl (BITC), and
phenethyl (PEITC) isothiocyanate have been shown to elicit strong chemotherapeutic properties. SFN,
BITC, and PEITC are suggested to target several cellular pathways that inhibit growth, induce
apoptosis, and prevent migration, and are presently being investigated for their therapeutic potential.
Work on ITCs is progressing quickly from bench to beside, and currently there are several ongoing
clinical trials. One study is investigating PEITC’s ability to inhibit lung carcinogenesis, while another
trial is investigating how PEITC affects lymphoproliferative disorders, specifically in patients who have
received the chemotherapeutic drug, fludarabine. Additionally, a Phase II clinical trial is investigating
whether SFN can modulate the level of prostate specific antigen in patients with recurrent prostate
cancer. This chapter will give an overview of the previously mentioned ITCs, and their reported ability
to inhibit carcinogenesis in vivo and in vitro at three stages: initiation, promotion, and progression.
Keywords: Angiogenesis, Apoptosis, Benzyl Isothiocyanate, Breast Cancer, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts,
Cabbage, Cancer, Cancer Stem Cells, Carcinogenesis, Cell Migration, Cruciferous Vegetables,
Cyclooxygenase, Diet, Food, Head and Neck Cancer, Head and Neck Cancer, Hematological Cancer,
Isothiocyanates, Lung Cancer, Nutrition, Pancreatic Cancer, Phenethyl Isothiocyanate, Proliferation, Prostate
Cancer, Sulforaphane, Tumor Initiation, Tumor Progression, Tumor Promotion, Vegetables, Watercress.
