Studies into the anticancer effects of selenomethionine against human colon cancer.
Colorectal cancer is the third most frequent fatal malignant neoplasm in the United States and is expected to cause significant morbidity and mortality. The recent recall of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors from clinical trials highlights the need to develop other agents for cancer chemoprevention trials. Intervention strategies with selenium compounds represent a viable option to reduce colon cancer. Here we discuss epidemiologic studies and ongoing clinical trials with selenium. In addition, we discuss preclinical mechanistic studies that provide insights into the biochemical and molecular bases for the anticancer effects of selenomethionine.
Nelson
Mark A
MA
Department of Pathology, Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, USA. mnelson@azcc.arizona.edu
Goulet
Anne-Christine
AC
Jacobs
Elizabeth T
ET
Lance
Peter
P
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2 / Q000378:metabolism; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D048049:Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D006657:Histones / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D012643:Selenium / Q000378:metabolism; D012645:Selenomethionine / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D006657:Histones; D012645:Selenomethionine; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; D048049:Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases; D012643:Selenium