Peretinoin, an Acyclic Retinoid, for the Secondary Prevention of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

The high rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after initially successful curative therapy emphasize ongoing unmet needs to prevent or reduce HCC recurrence. Retinoid acid (RA), a metabolite of vitamin A and its related analogues (termed retinoids) has been suggested as a promising chemotherapeutic agent in cancer treatment. The synthetic oral retinoid peretinoin is the only agent for the secondary chemoprevention of HCC after curative therapy that is currently well applied into clinical development. Here we present an updated summary of the molecular pathogenesis of HCC and of preclinical and clinical findings with peretinoin, including its clinical characteristics, safety and tolerability profile and future perspectives for clinical use.

Automated summary

This article provides an overview of the recurrent issues in HCC and the potential of retinoid acid (RA) and its analogues in cancer treatment. It focuses on the clinical characteristics, safety profile and future prospects of the synthetic oral retinoid peretinoin as a secondary chemopreventive agent for HCC.