Synthetic retinoid fenretinide in breast cancer chemoprevention.
Preclinical models suggest that retinoids inhibit mammary carcinogenesis. The induction of apoptosis is a unique feature of fenretinide, the most-studied retinoid in clinical trials of breast cancer chemoprevention, owing to its selective accumulation in breast tissue and its favorable toxicological profile. In a Phase III breast cancer prevention trial, fenretinide showed a strong trend of reduction of incidence of second breast malignancies in premenopausal women, which was confirmed by 15 years of follow-up. This warrants further research on the mechanisms of action and potential efficacy of fenretinide and provides the rationale for a Phase III primary prevention trial in young women at high risk for breast cancer. This review will highlight the role of fenretinide in breast cancer chemoprevention.
Bonanni
Bernardo
B
Division of Cancer Prevention and Genetics, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, Italy. bernardo.bonanni@ieo.it
Lazzeroni
Matteo
M
Veronesi
Umberto
U
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D017313:Fenretinide / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D012176:Retinoids / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D012176:Retinoids; D017313:Fenretinide