Inhibition of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colon tumorigenesis in Balb/c mice by dehydroepiandrosterone

Long-term administration of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to Balb/c mice significantly inhibits the rate of appearance of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced macroscopic colon and anal rumors and microscopic precursor and malignant lesions. The steroid, which has previously been shown to inhibit spontaneous breast cancer and chemically induced lung tumors in mice, may find application as a chemopreventive in individuals at high risk for developing colon cancer.