Metabotyping of Broccoli Microgreen in Obese Breast Cancer Survivors

In this pilot clinical trial, 24 obese BC survivors from the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore will be recruited to participate in a single-arm 2-week BMG (broccoli microgreen) intervention trial. Several outcomes will be tested, including study feasibility, patient compliance of one serving size of raw BMG and metabolic parameter changes. Biological samples such as blood and fecal samples as well as study questionnaires will be collected at baseline and 2 weeks post-intervention to measure the outcomes. The main hypothesis of this study is that incorporating the proposed BMG quantity into daily meals is feasible in obese BC survivors. The secondary hypothesis is that BMG may improve the metabolic profiles and gut health in obese subjects. This proof-of-concept prospective study will provide important clinical insights into beneficial effects of BMG on mitigating obesity and related metabolic disorders, which strategies may complement traditional survivorship management and support long-term health outcomes for BC survivors.

Inclusion criteria

• Female
• Had a diagnosis of breast cancer (Stage I-III)
• 2 to 60 months post-curative treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation)
• BMI > 30 kg/m² (obese classification)
• Willing to avoid cruciferous vegetables during the study
• Able to sign an IRB-approved consent form

Exclusion criteria

• Have any contraindications to the proposed nutrition intervention as identified by their medical provider, their designee, or the study team (e.g., GI conditions, medication requirements, pregnancy, breastfeeding, recent history of an eating disorder).
• Allergy or intolerance to cruciferous vegetables
• Currently taking broccoli extract supplements