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[Retinoids: use in combating cancer]
1Nederlands Instituut voor Ontwikkelingsbiologie, Hubrecht Laboratorium, Utrecht.
Abstract:
Retinoids are a group of natural and synthetic analogues of vitamin A (retinol). The biological activity of retinoids is mediated by multiple nuclear receptors which bind to specific DNA sequences and regulate transcription of target genes. Retinoids affect cell growth and differentiation. Retinoids inhibit chemically induced carcinogenesis in experimental animals. Clinical application of retinoids is efficacious to different degrees in prevention and therapy of some malignancies in humans, such as promyelocytic leukaemia, notably in combination chemotherapy. Unfortunately, lack of response, recurrence, toxicity and resistance are observed. Worldwide clinical trials have been set up to evaluate the treatment of mammary carcinoma with retinoids. It appears important to determine, before starting treatment, whether oestrogen or retinyl receptors are present in the tumor tissue.
Insights
Retinoids, vitamin A analogues, show promise in treating cancers like promyelocytic leukemia and potentially mammary carcinoma. Determining receptor presence in tumors is crucial for effective retinoid therapy, despite challenges like resistance.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Focuses on retinoids, vitamin A analogues, and their mechanism of action via nuclear receptors.
- Oncology: Investigates the role of retinoids in cancer prevention and therapy across various malignancies.
Context:
- Retinoids modulate cell growth and differentiation, exhibiting anti-cancer properties in preclinical models.
- Clinical use of retinoids is established for certain human cancers, including promyelocytic leukemia, often in combination therapy.
Purpose:
- To explore the efficacy of retinoids in preventing and treating human malignancies.
- To evaluate the role of retinoids in managing mammary carcinoma through ongoing clinical trials.
- To highlight the importance of assessing estrogen or retinyl receptor status prior to retinoid treatment.
Summary:
- Retinoids, vitamin A derivatives, regulate gene transcription through nuclear receptors, impacting cell growth and differentiation.
- They demonstrate efficacy in inhibiting chemically induced carcinogenesis and treating certain human cancers, though challenges like resistance exist.
- Current research includes clinical trials for mammary carcinoma, emphasizing the need to identify receptor presence in tumor tissues for personalized treatment.
Impact:
- Establishes retinoids as significant agents in cancer therapy and prevention.
- Identifies key factors for optimizing retinoid treatment efficacy, such as receptor status.
- Provides a basis for further research into retinoid-based cancer treatments and overcoming therapeutic resistance.