fenretinide

Fenretinide is a synthetic derivative of retinoic acid (vitamin A), classified as a retinoid. It acts primarily by binding to and activating retinoic acid receptors (RARs), leading to cell differentiation and apoptosis in certain tumor cells. Additionally, it inhibits tumor growth by modulating angiogenesis-associated growth factors and their receptors, and also induces apoptosis through mechanisms independent of the retinoid receptor pathway. Fenretinide has been investigated for chemoprevention in prostate cancer, breast cancer (especially contralateral breast cancer in women at risk), as well as for treatment of various cancers including ovarian, neuroblastoma, glioma, skin cancers, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Ewing's sarcoma, among others. Beyond oncology, it has been studied for cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, acne, psoriasis, and Stargardt’s disease due to its effect on ceramide accumulation and reactive oxygen species generation within cells[1][2][3][5]. It accumulates preferentially in fatty tissues such as the breast[3]. Clinical studies have shown reduced relapse rates in premenopausal women with breast cancer[5]. Common side effects include reversible skin dryness and night-blindness.

Other names

N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)all-trans retinamide4-hydroxy(phenyl)retinamide4-hydroxyphenyl retinamideFenretinidaFenretinidum