Retinoids in chemoprevention

Over several decades, in vitro experimental studies have demonstrated that retinoids effect the process of carcinogenesis and tend towards the alteration of cells back to more normal differentiation. This hypothesis has formed the basis of several chemopreventive studies in breast cancer, cervical cancer, head and neck cancer and lung cancer. Experimental evidence exists to suggest that chemoprevention with retinoids may well have a beneficial effect in patients at high risk of acquiring prostate cancer. None of the studies, however, in any of the cancers have yet been definitive, but opportunities exist with newer retinoids that appear to be able to be given on a long-term basis with minimal toxic side effects, to explore this exciting potential treatment pathway.