Soy Compound May Fight Cancer

Soy has always been regarded as a healthy food, and is commonly used by vegetarians as a primary protein source. It has also been indicated to help alleviate the symptoms of menopause because of their isoflavone content. These isoflavones mimic the action of estrogens, which decrease during menopause.

However, a high intake of soy isoflavones has also been implicated in increasing the risk of developing breast cancer. In the December 2006 issue of Clinical Cancer Research, however, researchers have identified a compound called glyceollin produced by soybeans grown under stress conditions that they say may successfully fight the growth of estrogen-stimulated breast and ovarian cancers.

Burow tested the compound, a phytoalexin known as glyceollin, on mice in which he had implanted estrogen-dependent ovarian and breast cancer tumors. Over time, the compound stopped further growth of the tumors by interfering with the tumor’s ability to respond to estrogen. According to Burow, the finding is significant because of the lack of effective therapies available to women with advanced breast or ovarian cancer. Unlike some of the available therapies, the glyceollins did not stimulate uterine growth, a side effect associated with increased risk of endometrial cancer.

It’s still too early to tell, but if this compound does prove true in larger clinical trials, most likely it will be marketed as a nutritional supplement, just like isoflavones are now being marketed as menopause supplements.