Antimetabolites . This group of anti-cancer agents predominantly interfere most with synthesis and metabolism of DNA and, to some extent, RNA. They include methotrexate, 5FU (5-fl uorouracil), cytarabine, gemcitabine and 6MP (6 mercaptopurine).

DNA damaging agents . These include alkylating agents like cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide and melphalan; antibiotics like adriamycin, actinomycin D and bleomycin; nitrosoureas (such as BCNU and CCNU) and platinum derivatives like cisplatin and carboplatin.

Mitosis inhibitors . This group includes vinca alkaloids (like vincristine and vinblastine) and taxanes (Taxol).

Cancer cell enzyme inactivators . This is a new class of anti-cancer agent recently discovered and undergoing much research. The fi rst, code-named STI 571 (trade name Gleevec or Glivec), is the enzyme tyrosine-kinase inhibitor. Tyrosinekinase is an essential for cancer cell reproduction. STI 571 was fi rst found to counteract the Philadelphia chromosome of chronic myeloid leukaemia and, in treating this leukaemia, results have been very encouraging. STI 571 is now being used in trials of treating other cancers, particularly with certain gastrointestinal stromal cancers and renal cancers, with encouraging results. There may be a place for similar management of some breast cancers and prostate cancers.

Unfortunately all effective anti-cancer drugs presently available have side effects that affect some people more than others. Some become manifest early as acute toxic side effects. Some are long-term or late side effects and may not be apparent for months or even years. Until all adverse side effects of such agents are well understood experienced specialists should oversee their clinical use.

In treating some cancers that appear to remain localised to the site of origin but which are so advanced locally that they are unlikely to be cured by surgery or radiotherapy alone, induction chemotherapy given fi rst can reduce the size and extent of the cancer. This may make it possible to totally remove the reduced tumour either by surgery or using with radiotherapy or using a combination of both.

isothiocyanates, the products of glucosinolate hydrolysis. Isothiocyanates are well-known protectors against carcinogenesis and modulators of the activities of enzymes involved in the metabolism of carcinogens, especially by the induction of phase 2 detoxication enzymes.

Epidemiologic evidence relating cancer risk reduction to the consumption of specific types of fruits and vegetables and to crucifers in particular has been available for .20 y. In 1978, Graham and colleagues (16) concluded: “a dose-response relationship was also encountered in analyses of each of the following for cancer of the colon: sauerkraut, coleslaw, Brussels sprouts, broccoli.

That's because the compound works to inhibit enzymes, called HDACs, which are known to work against the ability of certain genes to suppress the development of tumors.

But now, the new study in the journal Clinical Epigenetics shows that suforaphane also works in another way to fight cancer, through a mechanism called DNA methylation

DNA methylation, Ho said, is a normal process of turning off genes, and it helps control what DNA material gets read as part of genetic communication within cells. In cancer that process gets mixed up

The fiber-related components in broccoli do a better job of binding together with bile acids in your digestive tract when they've been steamed. When this binding process takes place, it's easier for bile acids to be excreted, and the result is a lowering of your cholesterol levels. Raw broccoli still has cholesterol-lowering abilit

At a minimum, include cruciferous vegetables as part of your diet 2-3 times per week, and make the serving size at least 1-1/2 cups.

No matter what treatment is used in cancer management it is important that all patients should undergo regular medical follow-up examinations.

For some patients alternative or unorthodox therapy can be comforting and

supportive even though specifi c cancer healing properties are either non-existent,

not known or not understood. Provided such therapy is helping or comforting for

the patient, is not harmful either physically or fi nancially, and does not confl ict

with necessary treatment, it should not be dismissed for this patient by the cancer

treatment team.

For some patients alternative or un-orthodox therapy can be comforting and supportive even though specifi c cancer healing properties are either non-existent, not known or not understood