Fenretinide (N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide; 4-HPR) (INN) is a synthetic retinoid derivative. Retinoids are substances related to vitamin A. It has been investigated for potential use in the treatment of cancer, as well as in the treatment of cystic fibrosis,[1] rheumatoid arthritis, acne, psoriasis, and has been found to also slow the production and accumulation of a toxin that leads to vision loss in Stargardt's patients.[2]
In cancer studies, Fenretinide treatment may cause ceramide (a wax-like substance) to build up in tumor cells and is associated with the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in cell death through apoptosis and/or necrosis.[3] Fenretinide accumulates preferentially in fatty tissue such as the breast, which may contribute to the effectiveness of fenretinide against breast cancer.[4][5] Phase III clinical trial data has suggested that fenretinide reduces breast cancer relapse in pre-menopausal women.[6] Common side effects associated with fenretinide treatment include skin dryness and night-blindness, which is reversible upon cessation of treatment. Specific types of cancer under investigation include or have included ovarian, prostate, cervical, lung, renal, bladder, breast, glioma, skin, head and neck carcinoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, neuroblastoma, and Ewing's sarcoma.[citation needed]
^Guilbault C, De Sanctis JB, Wojewodka G, Saeed Z, Lachance C, Skinner TA, Vilela RM, Kubow S, Lands LC, Hajduch M, Matouk E, Radzioch D (January 2008). "Fenretinide corrects newly found ceramide deficiency in cystic fibrosis". American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology. 38 (1): 47–56. doi:10.1165/rcmb.2007-0036OC. PMID17656682.
^Radu RA, Han Y, Bui TV, Nusinowitz S, Bok D, Lichter J, Widder K, Travis GH, Mata NL (December 2005). "Reductions in serum vitamin A arrest accumulation of toxic retinal fluorophores: a potential therapy for treatment of lipofuscin-based retinal diseases". Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 46 (12): 4393–401. doi:10.1167/iovs.05-0820. PMID16303925.
^Formelli F, Clerici M, Campa T, Di Mauro MG, Magni A, Mascotti G, Moglia D, De Palo G, Costa A, Veronesi U (October 1993). "Five-year administration of fenretinide: pharmacokinetics and effects on plasma retinol concentrations". Journal of Clinical Oncology. 11 (10): 2036–42. doi:10.1200/jco.1993.11.10.2036. PMID8410127.
^Sabichi AL, Modiano MR, Lee JJ, Peng YM, Xu MJ, Villar H, Dalton WS, Lippman SM (July 2003). "Breast tissue accumulation of retinamides in a randomized short-term study of fenretinide". Clinical Cancer Research. 9 (7): 2400–5. PMID12855611.