Related Experiment Videos
An evidence-based approach to cancer prevention clinical trials
Peter Greenwald1, Sharon S McDonald, Darrell E Anderson
1Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, 6130 Executive Boulevard, Suite 2040, Bethesda, MD 20892-7309, USA. pg37g@nih.gov
Abstract:
Research on carcinogenesis and its inhibition has made significant progress in the last 30 years, providing an impressive body of evidence that supports various strategies for cancer prevention. Innovative studies have helped to identify potential causes of cancer, including environmental factors such as diet, and provided valuable information about their mechanisms of action. Hundreds of epidemiologic and experimental studies have focused on possible associations between dietary factors and different types of cancer. During the same period, potential inhibitors of cancer that appeared able to prevent, arrest or reverse cancer development by interfering with one or more steps in the process of carcinogenesis were identified, and the term 'chemoprevention' was coined for this pharmacological approach to cancer prevention. Promising compounds were systematically evaluated for their potential as chemopreventive agents. Numerous agents were determined to be safe and effective in preclinical trials, including naturally occurring vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals as well as synthetic compounds. Based on preclinical results, selected agents have been and are now being evaluated in phase I, II and III clinical interventions for various cancers. Development of valid surrogate end point biomarkers for clinical disease that can be modulated by interventions is essential to accelerate progress in cancer prevention clinical trials.
Insights
Cancer prevention research has identified dietary factors and chemoprevention strategies. Promising compounds are advancing through clinical trials, with biomarkers crucial for future progress.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Preventive Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Significant advancements in understanding carcinogenesis and its inhibition over the past 30 years.
- Identification of environmental factors, particularly diet, as potential causes of cancer and their mechanisms of action.
- Emergence of chemoprevention as a pharmacological strategy to inhibit cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review progress in cancer prevention research, focusing on dietary factors and chemoprevention.
- To highlight the identification and evaluation of potential cancer-inhibiting compounds.
- To emphasize the importance of biomarkers in accelerating cancer prevention clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiologic and experimental studies on dietary factors and cancer associations.
- Systematic evaluation of compounds for chemopreventive potential.
- Assessment of preclinical and clinical trial data for cancer prevention agents.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports various cancer prevention strategies, including dietary modifications and chemoprevention.
- Numerous safe and effective chemopreventive agents identified in preclinical trials (vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, synthetic compounds).
- Selected agents are undergoing phase I, II, and III clinical trials for various cancers.
Conclusions:
- Cancer prevention research has identified key dietary factors and chemopreventive agents.
- Clinical trials are evaluating promising compounds, with ongoing development of surrogate biomarkers.
- Biomarkers are essential for accelerating progress in cancer prevention clinical trials.