Outcomes of a Dietary Intervention to Reduce Bladder Cancer Recurrence and Progression in Survivors of Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Individual randomized controlled trial
PubMed 38408431 · doi:10.6004/jnccn.2023.7086
What was done
Researchers conducted a 2-arm, double-blind randomized controlled trial testing a 6-month cruciferous vegetable dietary intervention (POW-R Health) against a general fruit and vegetable control intervention in 49 non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) survivors diagnosed in 2018–2019. Both groups received mailed educational materials, a live telephone coaching call, and 11 interactive voice response calls. The primary outcome was urinary isothiocyanate (ITC) levels and the secondary outcome was self-reported cruciferous vegetable intake at 6-month follow-up.
What was found
Of 49 randomized patients, 42 completed the 6-month follow-up. Compared with controls, the intervention group reported 0.94 cups higher daily cruciferous vegetable intake (95% CI, 0.24 to 1.65; P = .010; 1.37 ± 1.19 cups vs 0.56 ± 0.72 cups) and significantly higher urinary ITC levels by 11.1 μmol/g creatinine (26.2 ± 20.9 μmol/g vs 7.8 ± 11.5 μmol/g; P = .027).
Why it matters
This trial establishes that a remote behavioral intervention can successfully increase cruciferous vegetable consumption and systemic ITC exposure in bladder cancer survivors, providing the biomarker proof-of-concept needed for definitive trials on cancer recurrence.
Limits
The sample size was small (n = 49 randomized, 42 retained), dietary intake was self-reported, and the study was designed to measure biomarker and intake changes rather than clinical recurrence, progression, or survival.
Cited by
- context Epidemiological studies show that dietary intake of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, is associated with a reduced risk of bladder cancer and bladder cancer recurrence.