Angioprevention with fenretinide: targeting angiogenesis in prevention and therapeutic strategies

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Cancer Chemoprevention

Background:

• N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide (4HPR), also known as fenretinide, is a synthetic retinoic acid derivative.
• Fenretinide has demonstrated significant therapeutic and chemopreventive potential against various cancer types in vitro and preclinical studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review ongoing clinical trials of fenretinide (4HPR).
• To evaluate the molecular mechanisms underlying the secondary chemopreventive effects of fenretinide.
• To present data on fenretinide's anti-angiogenic, anti-invasive, and apoptosis-inducing properties.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical trial data.
• Analysis of basic and translational research data.
• Evaluation of fenretinide's effects on angiogenesis, invasion, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species production.

Main Results:

• Fenretinide has shown efficacy in reducing second breast cancer in premenopausal women.
• Ongoing trials investigate fenretinide for breast and ovarian cancer, neuroblastoma, glioblastoma, and other neoplasms.
• Fenretinide exhibits anti-angiogenic, anti-invasive, and apoptosis-inducing activities, and can generate reactive oxygen species.

Conclusions:

• Fenretinide is a promising therapeutic and chemopreventive agent with minimal side effects.
• Its anti-angiogenic and other molecular properties support its potential for cancer prevention.
• Further clinical trials are warranted for various cancer types, including high-risk populations.