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Retinoids in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Helen B Everts1, Eleonore-Nausica Akuailou1
1Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX 76209, USA.
Nutrients
|January 20, 2021
Summary
High dietary vitamin A intake may reduce the risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), a common nonmelanoma skin cancer. Understanding vitamin A metabolism is crucial for cSCC prevention and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Nutritional Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Vitamin A deficiency has long been linked to squamous cell metaplasia in epithelial tissues.
- Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a prevalent nonmelanoma skin cancer often caused by UV radiation.
- Current chemoprevention with retinoids is limited by side effects and potential retinoid resistance in cSCC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of natural and synthetic retinoids in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).
- To explore vitamin A metabolism and signaling pathways in cSCC.
- To discuss the potential prognostic value of vitamin A metabolism proteins in cSCC.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical animal studies on vitamin A deficiency and epithelial changes.
- Analysis of a recent long-term cohort study on dietary vitamin A and cSCC risk.
- Examination of literature on vitamin A metabolism proteins and retinoid signaling in cSCC.
Main Results:
- High dietary vitamin A intake was associated with a reduced risk of developing cSCC.
- Alterations in vitamin A metabolism and signaling proteins are observed in cSCC, potentially causing retinoid resistance.
- The expression of these proteins may hold prognostic significance for cSCC.
Conclusions:
- Dietary vitamin A plays a significant role in the risk of cSCC.
- Understanding vitamin A metabolism is key to overcoming retinoid resistance and improving cSCC chemoprevention.
- Further research into vitamin A metabolism proteins could offer new prognostic tools for cSCC.
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