A review of cancer chemopreventive agents

In the late 20(th) century, the treatment of cancer began to include its pr evention. Today, compounds exist that will lower the risk of developing cer tain types of cancer. This has been demonstrated in studies where chemicall y induced tumor growth has been slowed or reversed. Anti-inflammatory compo unds having chemopreventive activity are piroxicam, sulindac, aspirin, cele coxib and curcumin. The selective estrogen receptor modulators, tamoxifen a nd raloxifene, are beneficial in the prevention of estrogendependent tumors . Retinoids, vitamin A derivatives, such as targretin and fenretinide are u seful in the prevention of tumors. Compounds containing sulfur, such as sul foraphane and oltipraz, are even useful as radioprotective agents. The ster oid dehydroepiandosterone can inhibit experimental carcinogenesis. All of t hese chemical classes provide a start for the medicinal chemist to design m ore effective chemopreventive agents. The biomarkers used to determine the chemopreventive activity of new compounds are quite often activities of enz ymes. The identification of those individuals at high risk is still in its infancy and presents a troubling dilemma.