Inhibition of carcinogenesis by retinoids. [Review]

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · Canadian Medical Association Journal

OSTI ID:6368858

Nettesheim, P.

Progress made in recent years in the search for retinoids with anticarcinogenic activity is reviewed. There are many studies to be found in the literature which show no substantial effect of retinoids on carcinogenesis or tumor growth. Some of these negative findings may be related to the carcinogen dose used, the type of retinoid used, the dose, dose schedule or mode of administration of the retinoid. Others may indicate that the particular type of tumor or tumor system is, indeed, refractory to retinoids in general or to those retinoids that were tested. A great gap still exists in our knowledge concerning the pharmake-kinetics of most retinoids their availability to various normal and cancerous tissues, and the role and existence of transport and binding proteins. There are studies which indicate that under certain conditions, particularly conditions of topical application, some retinoids may even enhance carcinogenesis. It seems, however, indisputable by now that some retinoids are effective inhibitors of carcinogenesis in some organ systems and can even inhibit the growth of some established tumors. While the mechanisms of these inhibitory effects are presently not understood, it does seem clear that they are not mediated via the cytotoxic mechanisms typical of chemotherapeutic agents. The hope that retinoids might become an effective tool to halt the progression of some neoplastic diseases, seems to be justified.

• Research Organization: National Inst. of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC (USA); Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-26
• OSTI ID: 6368858
• Report Number(s): CONF-790339--1
• Journal Information: Canadian Medical Association Journal, Journal Name: Canadian Medical Association Journal
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMAL CELLS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
CARCINOGENESIS
CAROTENOIDS
DOCUMENT TYPES
GROWTH
HYDROCARBONS
INHIBITION
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PATHOGENESIS
PIGMENTS
REVIEWS
TERPENES
TUMOR CELLS