[Chemoprevention of cancer. Prevention of cancer in groups with increased risk]

Abstract

The term chemoprevention is defined as the use of specific natural or synthetic chemical agents to reverse, suppress or prevent carcinogenic development to a tumour. Many potential chemopreventive substances are pharmacologic agents which may already be in use or are naturally occurring compounds. Short-term tests and animal models are available for identifying potential chemopreventive agents. There are several similarities between clinical chemopreventive trials and cancer prevention by dietary intervention. The cost and length of chemopreventive trials can be reduced by using validated biomarkers as endpoint instead of cancer. Experience from chemoprevention of cancer is limited, seen in relation to use of chemical agents to reduce cardiovascular disease. However, a number of international clinical trials are now going on to evaluate the use of pharmacological substances as potential chemopreventive agents.