Compounds found in broccoli and brussel sprouts have shown to be effective in treating triple-negative breast cancer. In new findings that were presented at the 2012 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Annual Meeting and Exposition, a new compound created from a rich source in vegetables, including broccoli and brussel sprouts, has been developed to combat triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

TNBC is when your pathology report may say that the breast cancer cells tested negative for estrogen receptors (ER-), progesterone receptors (PR-), and HER2 (HER2-). The negative results mean that the growth of the cancer is not supported by the hormones estrogen and progesterone, nor by the presence of too many HER2 receptors. Because of this, triple-negative breast cancer does not respond to hormonal therapy. This aggressive form of breast cancer disproportionately affects black women.

Researchers from Florida A&M University and Texas A&M University, studied the synthetic compounds commonly found in vegetables, and learned that it can be used to treat TNBC, and several other types of cancer.

“Targeted treatment options for TNBC are limited,” said Mandip Sachdeva, of Florida A&M. “We are confident that the compounds we are currently working with are an effective treatment for triple-negative breast cancer.”

Hopefully this breakthrough will provide other alternatives to treatment, especially from African-American women suffering from breast cancer.