A practical prescription for cancer prevention — Synergistic use of chemopreventive agents

Abstract

Enzyme inducers, selenium, and retinoids exert broad-spectrum chemopreventive actions in animal models of carcinogenesis. The mechanisms of action of these three categories of agents are clearly distinct and complementary. BHA, selenium, and beta-carotene are probably safe and non-toxic for humans in doses which, in light of animal studies, can be expected to provide significant cancer protection. The concurrent application of safe, appropriate doses of these three agents could exert a potent synergistic chemopreventive effect, and, if continued throughout life, would in all likelihood substantially reduce cancer risk.