However, tamoxifen also caused serious problems such as endometrial cancer and blood clots. The STAR trial, which began recruiting participants in June 1999, expects to enroll about 2ial is designed to find out whether raloxifene is as effective in reducing the chance of developing breast cancer as tamoxifen has proven to be, and to compare the side effects of the two agents. DHT plays a key role in benign prostate enlargement and is also believed to be involved in the development of prostate cancer. The trial has completed recruitment of 18,500 men, and results are expected in 2001. Calcium compound studies focus on colon cancer prevention mainly in individuals previously diagnosed with colon polyps or cancer.
Studies involve a variety of calcium compounds.
Scientists are studying both natural and synthetic retinoids alone and in combination with other compounds in the prevention of cervical cancer, lung cancer, cancers of the head and neck, and skin cancer. In addition, certain other promising chemopreventive compounds are under investigation. These include oltipraz, selenium, vitamin E, and N-acetylcysteine. Early Detection and Screening Early detection research focuses on developing tests for diagnosing cancer that can lead to decreased cancer death rates. In addition to studies to identify effective early detection and screening strategies, NCI supports research to increase the use of proven screening measures within the medical and public health communities.