A clinical trial of beta carotene to prevent basal-cell and squamous-cell cancers of the skin

Article Abstract:

Evidence exists that consumption of foods containing beta carotene is associated with a reduced cancer risk, but dietary studies cannot show that this effect is due to beta carotene or to other protective agents in foods. To test the effectiveness of beta carotene in capsule form against nonmelanoma skin cancer, 1,805 people, who had recently been diagnosed with a basal-cell or squamous-cell carcinoma (other types of skin cancer), were randomly assigned to either the beta carotene or placebo (inactive drug) group. Patients with such a history are at high risk for a subsequent skin cancer. They were followed for several years, during which their illnesses and hospitalizations were monitored and annual skin examinations were conducted. The results showed that 2,001 new skin cancers developed, with no differences between the groups in the rate of occurrence of the first nonmelanoma skin cancer. Analyses of patient subgroups, such as older patients, those from California, or those with different skin types, also failed to show benefits from beta carotene. The average of new skin cancers per study-year for the beta carotene group was 0.29; for the placebo group, 0.25 (not significantly different). It appears that the ingredient in fruits and vegetables that protects people against cancer is not beta carotene; what that ingredient is, remains an open question. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Prevention, Physiological aspects, Cancer, Cancer prevention, Diet, Diet in disease

---

Risk of subsequent basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin among patients with prior skin cancer

Article Abstract:

People who have been treated for basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer have a greater risk of developing skin cancer again. Of 1,805 people diagnosed with either basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer between 1980 and 1986, half developed cancer again within five years of their first diagnosis. They were much more likely to develop the same type of cancer - basal cell or squamous - that they had been diagnosed with initially. The risk of developing cancer again was greater in men, older individuals, California residents and those who had previously been diagnosed with cancer more than once. Those who had sensitive skin or skin damaged by the sun were more likely to develop cancer again. Smokers were twice as likely to develop squamous cell skin cancer again; the risk was not as high in former smokers. Squamous cell skin cancer can be deadly; consequently, people with a history of squamous cell skin cancer should be closely followed.

Risk factors, Squamous cell carcinoma, Basal cell carcinoma

---

Mortality associated with low plasma concentration of beta carotene and the effect of oral supplementation

Article Abstract:

Beta carotene supplementation may not reduce mortality from cardiovascular disease or other causes, though high beta carotene levels before supplementation may be associated with reduced risk of death. Some research has suggested that beta carotene may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and cancer, though these findings are controversial. For a median of 4.3 years, 1,188 men and 532 women took either 50 milligrams a day of beta carotene or a placebo. During a median follow-up of 8.2 years, 285 of the participants died. In comparison to the people with the lowest beta carotene blood levels before supplementation, the people with the highest levels had approximately half the risk of death from cardiovascular disease or all causes. However, mortality rates among people who received placebos and among those who received beta carotene supplements were similar.

Mortality

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Effect of antihypertensives on sexual function and quality of life: the TAIM study. Pharmacologic and nutritional treatment of mild hypertension: changes in cardiovascular risk status
• Abstracts: A phase I trial of CGS 16949A: a new aromatase inhibitor. Thyroid dysfunction in elderly hospitalized patients: effect of age and severity of illness
• Abstracts: Dental education - meeting the demands of implant dentistry. Education in implant dentistry
• Abstracts: ACTH stimulation tests and plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels in women with hirsutism
• Abstracts: Oral therapy for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: a controlled trial of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole versus trimethoprim-dapsone

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.