Method for inhibition or treatment of colon tumorigenesis

Abstract

A method is provided for inhibiting the development of colon tumorigenesis in a mammal by administering to the mammal a pharmacologically effective amount of an isothiocyanate selected from the group consisting of sulforaphane and phenethyl isothiocyanate.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method for inhibiting colon tumor development in a mammal, said method comprising administering to the mammal a pharmacologically effective amount of an isothiocyanate selected from the group consisting of sulforaphane and phenethyl isothiocyanate.  
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the isothiocyanate is sulforaphane.  
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the isothiocyanate is phenethyl isothiocyanate.  
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 2 , wherein the sulforaphane is administered to the mammal as a purified compound.  
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 3 , wherein the phenethyl isothiocyanate is administered to the mammal as a purified compound.  
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the isothiocyanate is administered to the mammal as a dietary supplement.  
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the mammal is a human.  
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 7 , wherein the isothiocyanate is administered to the human in a dosage of between about 0.5 and 12 mg/kg body weight per day.  
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the isothiocyanate is administered to the mammal in a substantially purified form.  
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the isothiocyanate is administered to the mammal in a composition comprising the isothiocyanate and a pharmacologically acceptable carrier, excipient or diluent.  
     
     
         11 . A method for treating colon tumor formation in a mammal in need of such treatment comprising administering to the mammal a pharmacologically effective amount of an isothiocyanate selected from the group consisting of sulforaphane and phenethyl isothiocyanate.  
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein the isothiocyanate is sulforaphane.  
     
     
         13 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein the isothiocyanate is phenethyl isothiocyanate.  
     
     
         14 . A method according to  claim 12 , wherein the sulforaphane is administered to the mammal as a purified compound.  
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 13 , wherein the phenethyl isothiocyanate is administered to the mammal as a purified compound.  
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein the isothiocyanate is administered to the mammal as a dietary supplement.  
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein the mammal is a human.  
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 17 , wherein the isothiocyanate is administered to the human in a dosage of between about 0.5 to 12 mg/kg body weight per day.  
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein the isothiocyanate is administered to the mammal in a substantially purified form.  
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein the isothiocyanate is administered to the mammal in a composition comprising the isothiocyanate and a pharmacologically acceptable carrier, excipient or diluent.