Vitamin A Derivative Could Reduce Risk of Lung Cancer
Research carried out by the University of Texas seems to indicate that a product of vitamin A could lessen the chance of former smokers developing lung cancer.
Current models of thought on the subject of lung cancer have it that, even after smokers have given up the habit, the damage inflicted on lung cells can still exhibit continued growth - meaning that the cells can become cancerous. The US scientists, however, discovered that this growth can be inhibited when the Vitamin A derivation - retinoic acid - is included within treatment.
The results of their research were included in the current edition of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Smoking Causes 90 Per Cent of Lung Cancer Cases
Of the factors that can cause lung cancer, smoking accounts for 90 per cent. However, the risk of it stays high for years after people cease to smoke, and never descends to the chance of it in those that do not smoke.
Almost 50 per cent of new cases of lung cancer are observed in those that previously smoked.
The University of Texas research involved the participation of 225 ex-smokers. They were administered with one of three different prescriptions: retinoic acid combined with Vitamin E, retinoic acid alone and a placebo.
Prior to, and after the treatments, all those taking part supplied a sample of lung tissue. Using these, the researchers took a gauge of the spread of cells by noting down the levels of Ki-67 - a highly indicative chemical 'biomarker'. Both the retinoic acid combine and solo dispenses were seen to decrease cell growth in the parabasal layer. However, neither decreased cell multiplication in the basal layer - a tendency that took the researchers by surprise.
Additional Research Needed to Confirm Acid's Effect on Lung Cancer
Consequently, additional research is required to establish the precise effect retinoic acid has.
However, in the published article, the researchers highlighted how, with fewer cells produced, fewer chances exist for cancerous growth.
The US National Cancer Institute's Dr Eva Szabo agreed that further research is necessary prior to more progressive clinical trials. "We do not have a full understanding of the effects of these agents on [lung cells] or their effects during the full spectrum of carcinogenesis", she explained.
Her comments were echoed by Cancer Research UK's Josephine Querido, who stated: "The effect of vitamin derivatives and supplements on lung cancer is unclear - so giving up smoking is by far the best way for smokers to reduce their risk of the disease. These early results are intriguing, but much more work is needed before we know for sure whether these chemicals could prevent, or slow, lung cancer growth."
Source - Pharmaceutical International's Health Reporter
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