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Abstract:
There is a growing body of basic science and epidemiologic evidence to support a research thrust to determine whether several natural or synthetic agents, given alone or together, can lower cancer incidence. Candidate agents include analogs of vitamin A and the vitamin A precursor, beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, and the trace metal selenium. Other agents now being studied in the laboratory include phenolic antioxidants, protease inhibitors, prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, and indoles. Research in chemoprevention involves identifying and characterizing agents with reported activity, efficacy and toxicologic testing to select the most promising agents, and clinical trials to test those with the most potential in humans. Activities are underway in all the above areas, including 24 clinical trials, to evaluate selected compounds in preventing cancer at various cancer sites. Included are studies of individuals at high risk, individuals with precancerous lesions and individuals free of cancer but at risk to second cancers. A number of agents have shown activity in reducing bladder cancer incidence in animal models. The potential applicability of these agents for studies in human cancer risk reduction intervention studies is discussed. Cancer induction is postulated to be a multistage process involving initiation and promotion. Progress in cancer prevention may result from not only reducing exposures to initiators, but also suppressing promotional activity in initiated cells. Newly developed research technologies including cellular, animal, and epidemiologic procedures are being used for identifying, refining, and testing cancer prevention strategies.
Insights
Research explores natural and synthetic agents, like vitamins and antioxidants, for cancer prevention. Clinical trials are evaluating these compounds to reduce cancer incidence in high-risk individuals.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Preventive Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Growing evidence supports exploring agents to lower cancer incidence.
- Cancer development is viewed as a multistage process involving initiation and promotion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of natural and synthetic agents in cancer chemoprevention.
- To identify and test promising agents for reducing cancer incidence in humans.
Main Methods:
- Laboratory studies to identify and characterize candidate agents (e.g., vitamins A, C, E, selenium, antioxidants, indoles).
- Toxicologic testing and efficacy evaluation to select promising compounds.
- Clinical trials (24 underway) to assess cancer prevention in various populations and cancer sites.
Main Results:
- Several agents show promise in preclinical models, including reducing bladder cancer incidence in animal studies.
- Ongoing clinical trials are evaluating selected compounds for cancer risk reduction.
- Research utilizes cellular, animal, and epidemiologic models to refine prevention strategies.
Conclusions:
- Chemoprevention strategies, targeting both initiation and promotion stages, hold potential for cancer risk reduction.
- Further research and clinical trials are essential to validate the efficacy and safety of these agents in humans.
- Advancements in research technologies are crucial for identifying and testing novel cancer prevention interventions.