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Fenretinide and cancer prevention
1Chemoprevention Unit, European Institute of Oncology, via Ripamonti, 435, 20141 Milan, Italy.
Abstract:
A characteristic feature of fenretinide is the ability to inhibit cell growth through the induction of apoptosis with mechanisms that may be both receptor-dependent and receptor-independent. Chemopreventive efficacy of fenretinide has been investigated in clinical trials targeted at different organs. Results of a phase III secondary prevention trial suggest a benefit in preventing second breast malignancies in premenopausal women with early breast cancer. A potential benefit of fenretinide with ovarian cancer and a reduction of new occurrences of leukoplakia have also been observed in clinical trials with this agent. However, no effects on DNA content of urothelial cells from bladder washings and on recurrence rate were noted in a study of patients with superficial bladder tumors. Future trials using surrogate biomarkers may aid in rapid evaluation of the chemopreventive activity of fenretinide with various targeted organs.
Insights
Fenretinide shows promise in preventing secondary breast cancer in premenopausal women and may benefit ovarian cancer and leukoplakia. However, it did not impact superficial bladder tumors in clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Cancer Chemoprevention
Background:
- Fenretinide is known to inhibit cell growth via apoptosis, with both receptor-dependent and -independent mechanisms.
- Its chemopreventive efficacy has been explored in clinical trials across various organs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of fenretinide in preventing secondary malignancies and new occurrences of certain conditions.
- To assess the impact of fenretinide on specific cancer types and precancerous lesions.
Main Methods:
- Clinical trials were conducted to investigate fenretinide's effects on different organs.
- A phase III secondary prevention trial focused on early breast cancer patients.
- Studies also examined fenretinide's impact on ovarian cancer, leukoplakia, and superficial bladder tumors.
Main Results:
- A phase III trial suggested fenretinide benefits premenopausal women by preventing second breast malignancies.
- Clinical trials indicated potential benefits for ovarian cancer and a reduction in leukoplakia occurrences.
- No significant effects were observed on urothelial cells or recurrence rates in superficial bladder tumor patients.
Conclusions:
- Fenretinide demonstrates chemopreventive potential, particularly in secondary breast cancer prevention.
- Further research, potentially using surrogate biomarkers, is needed to fully evaluate fenretinide's efficacy across targeted organs.