The role of serum and tissue pharmacology studies in the design and interpretation of chemoprevention trials.
The design and interpretation of chemoprevention trials are challenging tasks. Innovative methodological approaches to these investigations are in initial stages of development. Important pharmacologic issues should be addressed as early as possible in these trials to facilitate the optimal design of large, Phase III, randomized trials. These include determining the optimal dose of the compound and the toxicity profile. Other key areas involve the use of serum concentrations to monitor subject compliance, the evaluation of concentration of the chemopreventive agent in the target tissue, adequate assessment of the drug delivery systems, and the evaluation of the relationship between the dose administered and the serum or tissue concentrations achieved. Whenever possible the investigation of the relationship between serum or tissue concentrations of a chemopreventive agent vs its biologic activity should be determined. Specific examples involving the retinoids and carotenoids are presented.
Plezia
P M
PM
Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson 85724.
Alberts
D S
DS
Peng
Y M
YM
Xu
M J
MJ
Sayers
S
S
Davis
T P
TP
Surwit
E A
EA
Meyskens
F L
FL
D002338:Carotenoids / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000633:toxicity; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012107:Research Design; D012176:Retinoids / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000633:toxicity; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D012176:Retinoids; D002338:Carotenoids