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Breast cancer prevention trials using retinoids
Andrea Decensi1, Davide Serrano, Bernardo Bonanni
1Division of Chemoprevention, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy. andrea.decensi@ieo.it
Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia
|November 1, 2003
Summary
Fenretinide, a retinoid, showed a trend in reducing second breast cancers in premenopausal women. Further biomarker studies are ongoing to explore retinoids for cancer prevention.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Chemoprevention
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Retinoids demonstrate potential in inhibiting mammary carcinogenesis, as evidenced in preclinical models.
- Fenretinide, a retinoid, has been extensively studied due to its favorable human toxicological profile.
- Previous clinical trials suggest fenretinide's efficacy may differ based on menopausal status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate fenretinide's efficacy as a secondary prevention agent for breast malignancies.
- To investigate the association between fenretinide's effects and circulating Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) levels.
- To explore the potential of fenretinide and novel retinoids in preventing other cancers, such as ovarian cancer.
Main Methods:
- A phase III secondary prevention clinical trial was conducted.
- Analysis included assessment of second breast malignancies in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.
- Circulating IGF-I levels were monitored to understand drug-biomarker interactions.
Main Results:
- Fenretinide demonstrated a trend towards reducing second breast malignancies in premenopausal women.
- No significant reduction in second breast malignancies was observed in postmenopausal women.
- A similar modulation pattern of circulating IGF-I was observed in relation to menopausal status.
- A trend towards a reduction in ovarian cancer incidence was also noted.
Conclusions:
- Fenretinide shows promise as a chemopreventive agent, particularly in premenopausal women.
- Modulation of IGF-I may play a role in fenretinide's mechanism of action.
- Ongoing biomarker studies aim to optimize retinoid-based cancer prevention strategies.