Melanoma is one of the most common cancers in the United States, with diagnoses increasing more rapidly than most other common cancers despite public campaigns encouraging sunscreen use and sun‑safe habits. Treatment for early-stage melanoma is generally highly successful, leading to 5-year survival rates of nearly 100% for cancer that has not spread, and 75% for cancer that has spread no further than the nearby lymph nodes. More than 1.5 million people in the United States are living with melanoma (SEER Database).

The EA6232 clinical trial is for patients who have had treatment for melanoma and still have several non-cancerous moles on their skin that look unusual. Previous studies have shown that these patients are at a much higher risk of developing a new melanoma compared to patients without multiple unusual moles. Currently, patients are advised to use sun protection, perform self-exams, and visit their physician regularly for mole checks.  

EA6232 explores an additional prevention strategy for these higher-risk patients. It is looking at whether a dietary supplement pill can help stop moles from turning into melanoma, or to slow or reverse this process. The study is testing sulforaphane (broccoli sprout extract), a natural substance with antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory properties. Broccoli sprouts contain large amounts of sulforaphane, which is also found in other cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale. Research has shown that people who eat more of these vegetables may have a lower risk of certain cancers. Sulforaphane may be one reason why.

Sulforaphane is often taken as a supplement in pill form. Studies suggest it may help the body eliminate toxins and reduce inflammation. Since sun exposure is a major cause of melanoma, researchers have also found that applying sulforaphane cream to the skin may help protect against sun damage. In research studies, sulforaphane has shown promise in slowing cancer growth and helping unhealthy cells die. It is currently being studied in clinical trials for several types of cancer.

Approximately 120 patients will take part in the study. They will be randomly assigned by a computer to receive either sulforaphane or placebo for one year, given as pills to be taken daily. It is important to note that placebos are never used in place of the usual cancer prevention or treatment approach. In this trial, they are used to help eliminate bias. To see if the treatment is working, researchers will compare changes in the total size of moles over one year between the two groups.

Patients are eligible for EA6232 if they were previously treated for early-stage melanoma and have at least three unusual-looking moles remaining. Eligible patients must not have received treatment for melanoma within the last year or have an allergy to cruciferous vegetables.

EA6232 offers patients an opportunity to contribute to melanoma recurrence prevention research using a low-risk substance. If successful, this study may lead to a large national trial for the further development of sulforaphane in skin cancer prevention.

Learn more about the EA6232 study at ecog-acrin.org.