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Evaluation of Broccoli Seed and Sprout Extract for Detoxification of Carcinogens in Firefighters
Sponsor: National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Summary
This phase II randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluates whether daily supplementation with broccoli seed and sprout extract (BSSE), also known as Avmacol Extra Strength (ES), enhances the body's natural ability to detoxify carcinogens commonly encountered by firefighters. Firefighters are routinely exposed to harmful chemicals such as benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) through smoke inhalation, structural fires, and fuel leak incidents exposures that contribute to their elevated cancer risk. BSSE contains bioactive compounds known to activate phase II detoxification enzymes that help eliminate reactive toxins from the body. A single dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol) is administered at both baseline and end-of-intervention as a metabolic probe to assess changes in detoxification enzyme activity. Acetaminophen is metabolized through the same pathways as benzene and PAHs, making it a useful surrogate for evaluating the effect of BSSE on the detoxification of fire-related toxicants. Participants were originally randomized into one of total four study groups. Groups I and II, now closed to accrual, were designed to assess BSSE effects before and after controlled flashover fire training exercises. These arms were discontinued after it was determined that training fires produced insufficient real-world toxicant exposure to evaluate the intervention's impact. Groups III and IV were subsequently open and represent the active phase of the study. Group III participants receive BSSE daily for 12 weeks, while Group IV participants receive a matched placebo. Both groups include acetaminophen challenge at baseline and end-of-intervention, with biospecimen collection to evaluate detoxification capacity and explore genetic and epigenetic modifiers of response. Although the protocol includes four study groups, only two are currently active. Groups I and II remain part of the study record but are closed and will not contribute to the primary outcome analyses.
Official title: Phase II Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Broccoli Seed and Sprout Extract (BSSE) to Evaluate Detoxification of Carcinogens in Firefighters
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
72
Start Date
2023-12-04
Completion Date
2027-11-01
Last Updated
2026-04-09
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Acetaminophen
Given PO
Biospecimen Collection
Undergo blood and urine sample collection
Broccoli Sprout/Broccoli Seed Extract Supplement
Given PO
Placebo Administration
Given PO
Questionnaire Administration
Ancillary studies
Training
Undergo flashover training
Locations (1)
University of Arizona Cancer Center - Prevention Research Clinic
Tucson, Arizona, United States