The current work builds on a major study conducted six years ago by Researchers have isolated compounds from the vegetable broccoli that they believe may help prevent or slow the progress of bladder cancer.

"There's no reason to believe that this is the only compound in broccoli that has an anti-cancer effect," said Steven Clinton, a study co-author and an associate professor of hematology and oncology at Ohio State. "There are at least a dozen interesting compounds in the vegetable.

"We're now studying more of those compounds to determine if they work together or independently, and what kind of effects they have on cancer cells," he added.

Broccoli isn't the only cruciferous veggie with health benefits, the researchers say. The plant's kin, which include cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale, may all contain similar disease-fighting phytochemicals.

It's too early to suggest just how much broccoli or other cruciferous vegetables should be eaten to stave off or slow down the progression of bladder cancer. Still, they are an important part of the diet.

"Cruciferous veggies have an effect on other types of cancer, too," Schwartz said. "We already know that they contain compounds that help detoxify carcinogens. We're thinking more along the lines of progression and proliferation, such as once cancer starts, is there a way to slow it down?"

He and Clinton conducted the study with Ohio State colleagues Robin Rosselot, a graduate student in food science and technology and Qingguo Tian, a research associate also in food science and technology.

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