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[Prevention and treatment of solid tumors with retinoids]
1First Dept. of Internal Medicine, Gifu University School of Medicine, Japan.
Abstract:
Retinoids regulate terminal differentiation of various cells and morphogenesis of various organs. Disorders of such regulations induce cellular and structural anomalies, and lead directly to carcinogenesis. According to these physiological roles of retinoids, many experimental studies have been conducted to test, and successfully demonstrate, the effect of retinoids for the treatment of cancers or the prevention of carcinogenesis. In clinical studies, however, retinoid therapy has not been established as a first choice treatment for solid tumors, although the effect of all-trans retinoic acid for acute promyelocytic leukemia is excellent. Primary cancer chemoprevention in general populations using beta-carotene has failed in all but one of four recently reported trials. In contrast, secondary chemoprevention by retinoids is promising for cancers such as head and neck cancer, uterine cervical cancer and hepatoma.
Insights
Retinoids are vital for cell differentiation and organ development, but their dysregulation can cause cancer. While not a primary cancer treatment, retinoids show promise in secondary cancer prevention for specific cancers.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Context:
- Retinoids are crucial regulators of cellular differentiation and organogenesis.
- Disruptions in retinoid signaling are linked to cellular anomalies and carcinogenesis.
- Extensive research has explored retinoids for cancer treatment and prevention.
Purpose:
- To review the physiological roles of retinoids in cellular regulation and organ development.
- To evaluate the efficacy of retinoids in cancer treatment and chemoprevention based on experimental and clinical studies.
Summary:
- Experimental studies confirm retinoids' potential in cancer treatment and prevention.
- Clinical application for solid tumors is limited, with notable success only in acute promyelocytic leukemia (all-trans retinoic acid).
- Primary chemoprevention with beta-carotene has shown limited success, but secondary chemoprevention with retinoids is promising for head and neck, cervical, and liver cancers.
Impact:
- Highlights the dual role of retinoids in normal development and disease.
- Identifies limitations and successes of retinoid-based cancer therapies.
- Suggests a promising future for retinoids in secondary cancer prevention strategies for specific malignancies.