Evaluation of Broccoli Seed and Sprout Extract for Detoxification of Carcinogens in Firefighters
Status:
Suspended
Trial end date:
2027-11-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
This phase II trial tests how well broccoli seed and sprout extract (BSSE) also called
Avmacol extra strength (ES) works to help break down (detoxification) some of the
cancer-causing chemicals (carcinogens) that firefighters are exposed to in order to help
protect cells from smoke damage. Firefighters are routinely exposed to carcinogens during the
course of their daily duties particularly from smoke exposure arising from active fire
rescue, structural or incidental firefighting or burning, as well as flashover training.
Flashover training simulator has been specifically designed for observation and recognition
of fire behavior from rollover to flashover by varying fuel loading and altering ventilation.
The simulator contains the fire behavior prop with smoke coming out and air being drawn in.
All fires, including those in flashover training, release toxic and carcinogenic substances.
These substances, many of which are known carcinogens, increase the risk of cancer in
firefighters. Several studies to date have demonstrated that firefighters are at an increased
risk of developing various malignancies including melanoma, multiple myeloma, acute myeloid
leukemia, prostate, kidney, brain, and respiratory tract cancers among others. Broccoli
extract has the potential to effectively enhance detoxification. This study may help
researchers learn how BSSE can help break down chemicals that firefighters are exposed to
during flashover training to help protect their cells from smoke-damage and reduce cancer
risk.