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A review of cancer chemopreventive agents
M S Levi1, R F Borne, J S Williamson
1School of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA. mlevi@olemiss.edu
Abstract:
In the late 20(th) century, the treatment of cancer began to include its prevention. Today, compounds exist that will lower the risk of developing certain types of cancer. This has been demonstrated in studies where chemically induced tumor growth has been slowed or reversed. Anti-inflammatory compounds having chemopreventive activity are piroxicam, sulindac, aspirin, celecoxib and curcumin. The selective estrogen receptor modulators, tamoxifen and raloxifene, are beneficial in the prevention of estrogen dependent tumors. Retinoids, vitamin A derivatives, such as targretin and fenretinide are useful in the prevention of tumors. Compounds containing sulfur, such as sulforaphane and oltipraz, are even useful as radioprotective agents. The steroid dehydroepiandosterone can inhibit experimental carcinogenesis. All of these chemical classes provide a start for the medicinal chemist to design more effective chemopreventive agents. The biomarkers used to determine the chemopreventive activity of new compounds are quite often activities of enzymes. The identification of those individuals at high risk is still in its infancy and presents a troubling dilemma.
Insights
Chemoprevention, the use of compounds to lower cancer risk, has advanced significantly. Various agents, including anti-inflammatories and retinoids, show promise in slowing or reversing tumor growth.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Cancer treatment has evolved to include prevention strategies.
- Several classes of compounds demonstrate chemopreventive activity, reducing cancer risk.
- Chemopreventive agents have shown efficacy in slowing or reversing chemically induced tumor growth in studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing chemopreventive compounds and their mechanisms.
- To highlight the role of medicinal chemistry in developing novel agents.
- To discuss biomarkers and challenges in identifying high-risk individuals.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on chemopreventive agents.
- Categorization of compounds by chemical class and function (e.g., anti-inflammatory, retinoids, sulfur-containing).
- Discussion of biomarkers, primarily enzyme activities, used in assessing chemopreventive efficacy.
Main Results:
- Identified several classes of chemopreventive compounds: anti-inflammatory drugs (piroxicam, sulindac, aspirin, celecoxib, curcumin), selective estrogen receptor modulators (tamoxifen, raloxifene), retinoids (targretin, fenretinide), sulfur-containing compounds (sulforaphane, oltipraz), and dehydroepiandrosterone.
- Demonstrated the utility of these compounds in inhibiting tumor growth and carcinogenesis.
- Highlighted enzyme activities as common biomarkers for evaluating chemopreventive potential.
Conclusions:
- Existing chemical classes provide a foundation for designing more effective chemopreventive agents.
- Further research is needed to refine the identification of high-risk individuals.
- Biomarker development remains crucial for advancing cancer prevention strategies.