TITLE:
Alterations in Retinoic Acid Receptors in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Their Clinical Implications
AUTHORS:
Saé Muñiz-Hernández, Norma Hernández-Pedro, Omar E. Macedo-Pérez, Oscar Arrieta
KEYWORDS:
Cell Transformation, Neoplastic, Neoplasms, Receptors, Retinoic Acid, Biological Markers, Retinoids
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.6 No.8,
July
28,
2015
ABSTRACT: The nuclear
retinoic acid receptor may play a critical role in the process of lung
carcinogenesis. Alteration or loss of nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs)
has been associated with progression in premalignant and malignant tissues and
it is associated with malignant transformation in human cells. Vitamin A
derivates, such as retinoic acid, have emerged as adjuvant to therapy in several
types of cancer with favorable effects. Retinoic acid regulates the expression
of target genes through the binding and activation of RARs, inhibiting growth
proliferation. Diverse studies have evaluated different retinoids alone or in
combination with chemotherapy in lung cancer, from which results have been
controversial with benefits observed only in the subpopulation with high levels
of triglycerides. Additionally, several large randomized trials using retinoids
to prevent tobacco-related cancer have failed; due to the latter the use of
retinoids in clinical trials remains controversial. However they could reduce
the risk of cancer development in non-smokers. There is evidence that retinoids
have different effects on lung cancer; still the identification of biomarkers
could determinate their benefits as preventive or therapy agents. This review
describes the RAR alterations during the development of Non-Small Cell Lung
Cancer and sets out the importance of several cancer treatments with retinoid
compounds.