The Potential for Oral Diindolylmethane (DIM) Supplementation to Increase the Production of the BRCA1 Protein in BRCA1 Mutation Carriers

Phase 1

• Conditions: Breast Cancer
• Interventions: Dietary Supplement: Diindolylmethane (DIM)

• Registration Number: NCT01022333
• Lead Sponsor: Women's College Hospital

Brief Summary

Women with a BRCA1 mutation face a lifetime risk of breast cancer of approximately 70% and a lifetime risk of ovarian cancer of approximately 40%. A number of potential anti-cancer nutrients have been proposed, however, it is important that diet supplements be evaluated prior to general recommendation.

The risk of breast and ovarian cancer in carriers of a BRCA1 mutation might be lowered by some nutritional supplements. For example, green tea, broccoli and vitamin D are of potential interest. One dietary supplement that is thought to have potential for BRCA1 carriers is diindolylmethane (DIM), which is an active ingredient in broccoli and other green vegetables. DIM - is found in vegetables like broccoli and is available as a supplement in health food stores. The investigators think that DIM may increase the production of the normal copy of BRCA1 and offset the effect of the mutation.

The purpose of this study is to determine that there is a potential for oral DIM supplementation to result in the increased production of the BRCA1 protein in BRCA1 mutation carriers. The results of the study will also serve as an evaluation of the current use and success of preventive strategies for BRCA1 mutation carriers.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2009-07
• Status Verified: 2009-11
• Study First Submitted: 2009-11-26
• Study First Submitted QC: 2009-11-30
• Last Update Submitted: 2009-11-30
• Study First Posted: 2009-12-01
• Last Update Posted: 2009-12-01
• Primary Completion: 2010-07
• Study Completion: 2010-12

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: UNKNOWN
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 300

Inclusion Criteria

• Carriers of a mutation in the BRCA1 gene
• Non-carriers of a mutation in the BRCA1 gene who come from a family with a BRCA1 mutation (a family in which at least one individual has tested positive for a BRCA1 mutation)
• Can participate after being free of DIM supplementation for one month

Exclusion Criteria

• Have a personal history of cancer
• Currently pregnant or breast-feeding

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
DIM group (BRCA1 carriers)	Diindolylmethane (DIM)	This group will have up to 100 women who are carriers of a BRCA1 deleterious mutation. To ensure safety, women in this group will not be able to participate in the study if they are under medications with warfarin, theophylline, or anticonvulsants; or if they are pregnant, breast-feeding or planning to become pregnant within 6 months of the research project. Women in this group will receive 300 mg per day of Rx Balance BioResponse DIM for six weeks. Supplements will be given free of charge. A blood sample (20cc) and a urine sample (20cc) will be collected from these women during two clinic visits; the second visit will be during the six weeks of DIM supplementation (4-6 weeks after the first clinic visit).

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Oral DIM supplementation increases BRCA1 mRNA expression and hence BRCA1 protein in women with a BRCA1 mutation	6 months

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Oral DIM supplementation causes favorable estrogen metabolism in women with a BRCA1 mutation	6 months

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Familial Breast Cancer Research Unit, Women's College Research Institute; 🇨🇦 Toronto, Ontario, Canada