Chemopräventiven

Chemopräventiven refers to measures or substances used for chemoprevention. Chemoprevention is the use of natural or synthetic chemical agents to block or reverse the process of cancer development. It is a strategy aimed at preventing cancer from starting or stopping its progression at an early stage. These agents can be taken by individuals who are at high risk of developing a specific type of cancer, or by the general population, with the goal of reducing cancer incidence or mortality.

The concept of chemoprevention is based on the understanding of the multi-step process of carcinogenesis, which involves initiation, promotion, and progression. Chemopreventive agents are designed to intervene at one or more of these stages. They can work through various mechanisms, such as blocking carcinogen metabolism, enhancing detoxification, inhibiting DNA damage, promoting DNA repair, inducing differentiation or apoptosis of pre-cancerous cells, or suppressing inflammation.

Examples of chemopreventive agents that have been studied or used include aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for colorectal cancer, tamoxifen and raloxifene for breast cancer in high-risk women, and retinoids for certain precancerous conditions. Research in this field is ongoing, focusing on identifying new agents and optimizing their use through clinical trials to establish efficacy and safety. The selection of a chemopreventive agent depends on the type of cancer, individual risk factors, and potential side effects.