Retinoids

This review highlights recent advances in understanding the mode of action of retinoids at the level of molecular and cellular biology in relation to the new clinical results achieved with retinoids in various malignancies. All-trans-retinoic acid has been established in the clinic as a first-line differentiation therapy for acute promyelocytic leukemia. Other retinoids, as single agents or in combination, generated interesting preliminary results in prevention of or therapy for various precancerous and cancerous lesions. These results are currently being corroborated in ongoing trials. Retinoids are emerging as a new class of anticancer agents with a new molecular target, offering new combination therapies.