Page 16 - Read Online

Yeger et al. J Cancer Metastasis Treat 2020;6:26 I http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2394-4722.2020.61 Page 11 of 16

Figure 1. Schema depicts how diets, like the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), as part of a healthy lifestyle can contribute sustainably
and positively to the health of humans, the chemoprevention of cancer, inhibition of tumor progression and metastasis, and for the
treatment of cancers. Concomitantly the therapeutic components in the MedDiet can also chemoprotect normal tissues and organs.
All these effects are mediated by the isothiocyanates (ITCs), other phytochemicals, and oils present in this diet. ITCs have also shown
potentiation of other chemotherapeutic agents, thus expanding their versatility. Maintaining good physical activity running in parallel
with a chemoprotective diet can also play a significant role in ameliorating the adverse effects of T2D, obesity and cardiac disease
which can exacerbate the deleterious effects of cancer

Thus it is time we view chemoprotection, chemoprevention and hormesis governed homeostasis, as a
potential advantage of ITCs and other phytochemicals, and a necessary strategy for well being and a
healthier, longer life [3,58] . From this viewpoint a lot more can be done to bring anti-cancer and health
promoting phytochemicals into global diets.

CONCLUSION
Here we have tried to present a new supportive strategy for preventing the onset and the treatment of
cancer if attempting to intervene optimally, and if possible, for effectively targeting the entire tumorigenic
process especially malignant progression. There are numerous phytochemicals with potential for
[26]
cancer prevention including ITCs . Concomitantly we indicate that inclusion of an optimal balance
of phytochemicals could also protect normal organs. How these phytochemicals would be selected and
cognizant of their interactions has been extensively discussed [112] ; however it will require more studies
to determine how ITCs interact with other phytochemicals and if there are effects on bioavailability and
function. As a side benefit to the inclusion of ITCs the anti-microbial activity of ITCs [113] would add an
important further element towards achievement of a healthier lifespan.

Undoubtedly, the ultimate goals of preventing and curing cancer are perhaps very lofty at present.
At the very least, as stated by others, cancer could be relegated to the status of a non life-threatening
disease kept suppressed and sub-clinical. It may turn out, given the complexity of determining the ideal
chemopreventive and anti-tumor diets or treatments, that ITCs in combination with other phytochemicals
might be capable of controlling cancer with this objective in mind. As a last thought on the subject, a recent
article by Pedersen in The Scientist [114] presented a convincing review of evidence for exercise in prevention