Efficacy of sulforaphane in skin cancer animal models: A systematic review

Globally, skin cancer is the predominant form of cancer, with melanoma identified as its most deadly variant. Projections suggest a surge exceeding 50% in melanoma occurrences by 2040, underscoring the urgency for preventive interventions. Sulforaphane (SFN), a compound found in cruciferous vegetables, is recognized for its cancer-preventive capabilities, particularly against skin cancer. This study employed a rigorous systematic review of various databases, adhering to predefined inclusion criteria for study selection. Data extraction was conducted using a uniform template, and the quality of the included studies was evaluated through the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) risk of bias tool, specifically designed for animal research. The review encompasses studies published in English from 2000 to 2023, culminating in the inclusion of 9 pertinent studies. The findings highlight SFN's capacity to act as a protective agent in preventing skin cancer in animal models. It demonstrated efficacy in curbing skin tumorigenesis triggered by assorted carcinogens, reducing the onset of skin tumors and impeding the growth and spread of skin cancer cells. Furthermore, SFN showed preventive effects against UVB-induced skin carcinogenesis by obstructing the activator protein 1 signaling pathway. Based on evidence from animal-based research, SFN emerges as a promising chemopreventive substance against skin cancer. Nevertheless, determining its optimal dosage, application duration and method of administration for human subjects remains pending. If its effectiveness is substantiated, SFN could complement or offer an alternative to existing preventive measures against skin cancer.