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Recent advances in chemoprevention of cancer
1Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Box 80, Houston, TX 77030, USA. whong@notes.mdacc.tmc.edu
Abstract:
Chemoprevention is the use of pharmacologic or natural agents that inhibit the development of invasive cancer either by blocking the DNA damage that initiates carcinogenesis or by arresting or reversing the progression of premalignant cells in which such damage has already occurred. Recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of carcinogenesis have led to the synthesis of new drugs that can inhibit tumor development in experimental animals by selective action on specific molecular targets, such as the estrogen, androgen, and retinoid receptors or inducible cyclooxygenase. Several of these agents (including tamoxifen, 13-cis-retinoic acid, retinyl palmitate, and an acyclic retinoid) are clinically effective in preventing the development of cancer, particularly in patients who are at high risk for developing second primary tumors after surgical removal of the initial tumor.
Insights
Chemoprevention uses drugs or natural agents to stop cancer development by targeting DNA damage or premalignant cells. Several agents show clinical effectiveness in high-risk patients, preventing new primary tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Chemoprevention involves using agents to inhibit cancer initiation or progression.
- Understanding carcinogenesis mechanisms enables targeted drug development.
- Molecular targets include hormone receptors and enzymes like cyclooxygenase.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advances in chemoprevention strategies.
- To highlight drugs targeting specific molecular pathways in cancer development.
- To discuss the clinical efficacy of selected chemopreventive agents.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on chemoprevention mechanisms and agents.
- Analysis of drug actions on molecular targets (e.g., receptors, enzymes).
- Evaluation of clinical data for agents like tamoxifen and retinoids.
Main Results:
- New drugs targeting specific molecular pathways inhibit tumor development in animal models.
- Agents such as tamoxifen, retinoids, and acyclic retinoids demonstrate clinical effectiveness.
- Chemoprevention is particularly beneficial for high-risk patients to prevent second primary tumors.
Conclusions:
- Targeted chemoprevention strategies are advancing cancer prevention.
- Pharmacologic and natural agents offer viable options for inhibiting carcinogenesis.
- Clinical application of these agents shows promise in reducing cancer incidence in susceptible populations.