Cruciferous Vegetables Linked to Boost in Cancer Immunotherapy Effectiveness, New Study Finds
Paris, France – A new study from Inserm and the Institut curie, published December 2nd in Nature Communications, suggests that a nutrient found abundantly in cruciferous vegetables – cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and others – can significantly enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy, a growing cancer treatment approach.
Immunotherapy works by activating the patient’s own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells, differing from conventional methods like chemotherapy and radiotherapy which directly attack tumor cells. Currently used to treat cancers including colorectal, renal, bronchial, ENT, Hodgkin’s, and skin cancers, its success rate may be linked to dietary intake of indole-3-carbinol.
Researchers observed a stark difference in treatment outcomes in animal subjects. Animals receiving a diet without indole-3-carbinol saw immunotherapy prove effective in onyl 20% of cases, compared to 50-60% effectiveness in those consuming a diet with the nutrient.
“When we remove this compound present in cabbages, ther is a drastic reduction in the effectiveness of immunotherapy,” stated Dr. Elodie Segura, Inserm research director at the Institut Curie.
the study also identified how indole-3-carbinol boosts immunotherapy: the substance binds to a receptor on immune system cells, activating them to target cancer cells.
While further research is needed to confirm these findings in humans,Dr. Segura expressed optimism.”This work allows us to better understand the role of nutrients in anti-tumor immune responses,” she said. “For patients,this data could make it possible to optimize diets to ensure the effectiveness of treatments.” The findings suggest dietary recommendations, including increased consumption of cruciferous vegetables, may soon be integrated into cancer care protocols.