Is there much evidence that other phytochemicals are useful in treating cancer?
Michael Gould of the University of Wisconsin has done some research on monoterpenes, including limonene from citrus peel, and perillyl alcohol. These are being evaluated in preliminary clinical cancer trials. Because of the different mechanisms involved in cancer prevention and cancer treatment, it’s not reasonable to expect all chemoprotective agents to be valuable therapeutic agents. Also, we need to understand the side effects or toxicity, if any, associated with the use of some of these phytochemicals. Q: The National Toxicology Program of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences recently released the 11th annual report on carcinogens. Did you help advise the NIEHS? A: Yes, I was on the committee of experts. This was part of a federally mandated review process that is often driven by public interest, and anyone can write to request an evaluation of a particular substance. If there is sufficient weight of evidence to move forward, the NTP and NIEHS will ask experts to
