Retinoids, carotenoids, and human breast cancer cell cultures: a review of differential effects. Prakash P, Krinsky NI, Russell RM, Jean Mayer, USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA. Cancer of the breast is the most common incident cancer and cause of death from cancer in women. Several epidemiologic studies have reported a significant inverse relationship between the intake of vitamin A and/or provitamin A-rich foods and the incidence of certain cancers, including breast cancer. A large number of studies have been conducted to determine the effect of retinoids (all-trans-retinoic acid, in particular), and to a lesser extent of carotenoids, on breast cancer using cell culture models. In general, the results of these studies demonstrate beneficial effects of all-trans-retinoic acid on different breast cancer cells. This review compares studies conducted in different laboratories using retinoids and carotenoids as treatments for breast cancer cells and suggests what may be the underlying reasons for the differential effects of these compounds on the same cell lines. Nutr Rev 2000 Jun;58(6):170-6 Published erratum appears in Nutr Rev 2000 Jul;58(7):222 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.