Optimising Selenium for Modulation of Cancer Treatments

Selenium is an essential trace element involved in many biological processes that are mediated through, at least, 25 selenoproteins expressed in humans. Extensive study of selenium compounds has demonstrated growth inhibition of malignant cells in a vast array of experimental models. Moreover combining selenium with conventional cancer therapy has yielded promising results in both preclinical studies and a cohort of human trials. The aim of this review is to highlight the current research evaluating the role of selenium compounds in combination with chemotherapy and radiation. Pharmacodymanic mechanisms responsible for the differential effects of the commonly studied compounds on healthy and malignant cells are presented and the pertinent in vitro and in vivo data summarised. The clinical utility of this approach is discussed both in terms of anti-tumour efficacy and toxicity prevention. Finally a case is made for novel trial designs to facilitate rapid progression into pivotal studies.