Chemoprevention of aerodigestive cancer Journal Article


Authors: Berwick, M.; Schantz, S.
Article Title: Chemoprevention of aerodigestive cancer
Abstract: Effective chemoprevention of aerodigestive tumors could have far- reaching effects. Aerodigestive cancer accounts for one-third of all cancer deaths in the United States and is the most common cancer in some areas of the world. Prognosis is poor, and a reduced quality of life remains in those who do survive. To date, there have been no effective chemopreventive agents, but many new compounds hold promise. The concepts of field carcinogenesis and multi step carcinogenesis underpin the development of chemopreventive agents for aerodigestive tract tumors. Important risk factors are tobacco use, alcohol consumption, dietary habits, genetic susceptibility, socioeconomic status, and the interaction of these. Two promising areas for surrogate biomarker development are tissue autofluorescence and DNA repair. Numerous chemoprevention trials have shown that antioxidant compounds are effective in reversing precursor lesions. Studies of the effects of chemopreventive agents on second primary tumors are ongoing. Finally, large-scale trials of the anti-oxidant beta carotene have been disappointing; they have shown that among heavy smokers and possibly heavy alcohol consumers beta carotene increases risk for lung cancer incidence and mortality. These findings underline the critical need to better understand specific mechanisms of action at a particular tissue site, and under various conditions, such as heavy smoking. Novel agents are under development: epigallacatchin gallate, or green tea, curcumin, and a new emphasis on folic acid. Studies to date show that targeting susceptible subgroups, by means of genetic or lifestyle factors, and all ethnic groups will facilitate the goals of chemoprevention studies.
Keywords: clinical trial; review; cigarette smoking; biomarkers; dna repair; chemoprophylaxis; lung neoplasms; lung cancer; risk factor; tumor suppressor gene; dna; prostaglandin; anticarcinogenic agents; genetic susceptibility; alcohol; antioxidant; alpha tocopherol; ascorbic acid; folic acid; epigallocatechin gallate; multivitamin; isotretinoin; tobacco; retinol; zinc; dietary intake; alcohol consumption; esophagus cancer; growth factor; retinoic acid; mouth neoplasms; esophagus disease; mouth cancer; beta carotene; mineral; socioeconomics; retinoid; esophageal neoplasms; curcumin; dysplasia; cyanocobalamin; leukoplakia; wart virus; pharynx cancer; fenretinide; retinoic acid receptor; tea; chemoprevention; retinol palmitate; pharyngeal neoplasms; autofluorescence; acetylcysteine; etretinate; humans; human; priority journal; aerodigestive cancer; riboflavin
Journal Title: Cancer and Metastasis Reviews
Volume: 16
Issue: 3-4
ISSN: 0167-7659
Publisher: Springer  
Date Published: 1997-09-01
Start Page: 329
End Page: 347
Language: English
PUBMED: 9433643
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI: 10.1023/A:1005856312338
DOI/URL:
Notes: Review -- Export Date: 17 March 2017 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Stimson P Schantz
    115 Schantz
  2. Marianne Berwick
    120 Berwick