Purpose
Diindolylmethane (DIM), a bioactive compound found in cruciferous vegetables, has proposed breast cancer chemoprevention activity. There is limited evidence of clinically relevant activity or long-term safety. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to determine the activity and safety of combined use of DIM (BR-DIM) with tamoxifen.
Methods
Women prescribed tamoxifen (n=130) were assigned to receive BioResponse-DIM® (BR-DIM), providing 150 mgs DIM twice daily, or placebo, for 12 months. The primary study endpoint was change in urinary 2/16 -hydroxyestrone (2/16 -OHE1) ratio. Change in 4-hydroxyestrone (4-OHE1), serum estrogens and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), breast density, and tamoxifen metabolites also were assessed.
Results
Ninety-eight women (51 placebo, 47 DIM) completed intervention; compliance with treatment was >91%. DIM increased the 2/16 -OHE1 ratio (+3.2[0.8, 8.4]) compared to placebo (−0.7 [−1.7, 0.8], p <0.001). Serum SHBG also increased with DIM as 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 DIM versus placebo (P <0.001). Minimal adverse events were reported and overall did not differ by treatment arm.
Conclusion
In patients taking tamoxifen for breast cancer, daily DIM promoted favorable changes in estrogen metabolism and circulating levels of SHBG. Further research is warranted to determine whether decreases in tamoxifen metabolites, including endoxifen, with DIM would attenuate the clinical benefit of tamoxifen.