CARET, the beta-carotene and retinol efficacy trial to prevent lung cancer in high-risk populations.
BACKGROUND
CARET is a multi-center collaboration, with participants recruited in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Irvine, Baltimore and New Haven.


METHODS
CARET is a two-armed double-blind randomized chemoprevention trial to test the hypothesis that oral administration of beta-carotene 30 mg/day plus retinyl palmitate 25,000 IU/day will decrease the incidence of lung cancer in high-risk populations: heavy smokers and asbestos-exposed workers who have smoked. The agents combine anti-oxidant and nuclear tumor suppressor mechanisms. Fastidious monitoring for possible side effects is facilitated by inclusion of a Vanguard population (continued from pilot studies).


RESULTS
As of 31 July 1991, 8129 participants had been randomized into the Trial, of the 18,000 needed. Efficacy results are expected in 1998.


CONCLUSIONS
The Trial demonstrates the movement of environmental epidemiology into interventionist research to prevent adverse health effects.
Omenn
G S
GS
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA.
D002338:Carotenoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004224:Diterpenes; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000084562:Retinyl Esters; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019207:beta Carotene
D004224:Diterpenes; D000084562:Retinyl Esters; D019207:beta Carotene; D014801:Vitamin A; C014794:retinol palmitate; D002338:Carotenoids