GU Cancers 2021 | Soy isoflavones and oncology

Omer Kucuk, MD, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, discusses the use of soy isoflavones in integrative oncology. Soy consumption in humans has been linked to a decreased incidence of a variety of cancers, indicating a potential use of soy products in cancer prevention. Genistein, the most active isoflavone in soy, can inhibit NF-κB activation and DNA methylation, enhance histone acetylation and inhibit cell growth and metastasis. Preclinical studies have suggested that soy isoflavones may improve the efficacy and reduce the adverse effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This interview took place during the 2021 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium.