A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of diindolylmethane for breast cancer biomarker modulation in patients taking tamoxifen

Cynthia A. Thomson, H. H.Sherry Chow, Betsy C. Wertheim, Denise J. Roe, Alison Stopeck, Gertraud Maskarinec, Maria Altbach, Pavani Chalasani, Chuan Huang, Meghan B. Strom, Jean Philippe Galons, Patricia A. Thompson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

50 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: Diindolylmethane (DIM), a bioactive metabolite of indole-3-carbinol found in cruciferous vegetables, has proposed cancer chemoprevention activity in the breast. There is limited evidence of clinically relevant activity of DIM or long-term safety data of its regular use. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to determine the activity and safety of combined use of BioResponse DIM® (BR-DIM) with tamoxifen. Methods: Women prescribed tamoxifen (n = 130) were randomly assigned oral BR-DIM at 150 mg twice daily or placebo, for 12 months. The primary study endpoint was change in urinary 2/16α-hydroxyestrone (2/16α-OHE1) ratio. Changes in 4-hydroxyestrone (4-OHE1), serum estrogens, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), breast density, and tamoxifen metabolites were assessed. Results: Ninety-eight women (51 placebo, 47 DIM) completed intervention; compliance with treatment was >91%. BR-DIM increased the 2/16α-OHE1 ratio (+3.2 [0.8, 8.4]) compared to placebo (−0.7 [−1.7, 0.8], P < 0.001). Serum SHBG increased with BR-DIM compared to placebo (+25 ± 22 and +1.1 ± 19 nmol/L, respectively). No change in breast density measured by mammography or by MRI was observed. Plasma tamoxifen metabolites (endoxifen, 4-OH tamoxifen, and N-desmethyl-tamoxifen) were reduced in women receiving BR-DIM versus placebo (P < 0.001). Minimal adverse events were reported and did not differ by treatment arm. Conclusion: In patients taking tamoxifen for breast cancer, daily BR-DIM promoted favorable changes in estrogen metabolism and circulating levels of SHBG. Further research is warranted to determine whether BR-DIM associated decreases in tamoxifen metabolites, including effects on endoxifen levels, attenuates the clinical benefit of tamoxifen. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01391689.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)97-107
Number of pages11
JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment
Volume165
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2017

Keywords

  • Breast cancer
  • Diindolylmethane
  • Tamoxifen

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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