Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 1, 2026

Transfer of Manipulated Tumor-associated Neutrophils into Tumor-Bearing Mice to Study their Angiogenic Potential In Vivo
08:19

Transfer of Manipulated Tumor-associated Neutrophils into Tumor-Bearing Mice to Study their Angiogenic Potential In Vivo

Published on: July 20, 2019

Retinoic acid and interferon in human cancer: mechanistic and clinical studies

D M Moore1, D V Kalvakolanu, S M Lippman

  • 1University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030.

Seminars in Hematology
|October 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Combining retinoids like retinoic acid (RA) with interferons (IFNs) shows synergistic antitumor effects. This combination enhances gene expression and shows promise against advanced skin and cervical cancers, potentially with radiotherapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Retinoids and interferons (IFNs) exhibit antitumor properties individually.
  • Synergistic effects observed with combined retinoid-interferon (RA-IFN) therapy in preclinical models.
  • RA enhances IFN action and gene expression in various cell systems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the synergistic antiproliferative, differentiating, and antiangiogenic activities of combined retinoids and IFNs.
  • To explore the potential of RA-IFN combinations in treating human hematologic and solid tumors.
  • To evaluate clinical outcomes of combined 13-cis-retinoic acid (13cRA) and IFN therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Combination therapy studies in human hematologic and solid tumor cell lines.
  • Analysis of gene expression, particularly IFN-stimulated genes.
  • Clinical trials evaluating 13cRA and IFN in advanced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Main Results:

  • Combined RA-IFN therapy demonstrated synergistic antiproliferative, differentiating, and antiangiogenic effects.
  • RA-IFN treatment induced higher levels of IFN-stimulated genes compared to individual agents.
  • Clinical trials showed substantial activity of 13cRA-IFN against advanced SCC of the skin and cervix.

Conclusions:

  • Combined retinoid and interferon therapy offers synergistic antitumor activity.
  • The RA-IFN regimen shows significant clinical promise for advanced SCC, particularly when integrated with radiotherapy.
  • Further research is required to elucidate the precise mechanistic interactions between RA and IFN.

More Related Videos

Y-90 Radioembolization and PD-1 Inhibitor as Neoadjuvant Treatment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma09:11

Y-90 Radioembolization and PD-1 Inhibitor as Neoadjuvant Treatment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Published on: May 24, 2024

Analysis of Human T Cell Activity in an Allogeneic Co-Culture Setting of Pre-Treated Tumor Cells09:04

Analysis of Human T Cell Activity in an Allogeneic Co-Culture Setting of Pre-Treated Tumor Cells

Published on: March 7, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells02:53

Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells

Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers01:51

Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers

Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...
Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells02:53

Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells

Cancer cells accumulate genetic changes at an abnormally rapid rate due to the defects in the DNA repair mechanisms. From an evolutionary perspective, such genetic instability is advantageous for cancer development. Mutant cell lines accumulate a series of beneficial mutations that contribute to their progression into cancer.
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers01:51

Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers

Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...
Treatment Resistent Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistent Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis01:30

Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis

Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...