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Fenretinide: a prototype cancer prevention drug
Winfred Malone1, Marjorie Perloff, James Crowell
1National Cancer Institute, Division of Cancer Prevention, Chemopreventive Agent Development Research Group, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs
|October 31, 2003
Summary
Fenretinide, a synthetic retinoid, shows promise as a cancer chemopreventive agent. While not consistently effective in large trials, ongoing research explores new dosing, schedules, and combinations for enhanced cancer prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Cancer Chemoprevention
Background:
- Fenretinide (N-4-hydroxyphenylretinamide [4-HPR]) is a synthetic retinoid investigated for cancer chemoprevention.
- Initial studies suggested a favorable therapeutic index for various cancers, including breast, prostate, and head and neck.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of fenretinide as a cancer chemopreventive agent.
- To explore novel applications and optimize the use of fenretinide in cancer prevention.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assays, preclinical animal models, and clinical trials (Phase II and III) were utilized.
- Ongoing trials are re-examining fenretinide dosage, schedules, and target tissues.
Main Results:
- Fenretinide efficacy in reducing cancer incidence or preneoplastic lesions was not definitively proven in pivotal trials.
- Encouraging observations of preventative activity, notably in ovarian cancer, emerged from these studies.
Conclusions:
- Fenretinide's role in cancer prevention requires further investigation, particularly regarding optimized administration and combination therapies.
- Research into molecular pathways and potential synergism with other agents may refine future cancer prevention strategies.