Researchers have developed a new vitamin-A drug, which may be helpful in reducing the risk of breast cancer in younger patients, but also added that more research is needed before it is implemented.
Breakthrough Breast Cancer, a leading charity committed to fighting breast cancer through research and education in UK revealed the findings after studying 1,700 women between 12 and 16 years, reported the online edition of Daily Mail.They found that the drug Fenretinide reduced second cancers in pre-menopausal women by 38 percent and halved the risk in those under 40. However, the cancer rate actually increased among post-menopausal women taking the drug, it said.
Fenretinide is a synthetic version of Retinol or active vitamin A, which can combat certain types of tumour.
However, Sarah Rawlings from Breakthrough Breast Cancer said: "Significantly more research is needed before any conclusions can be drawn."
"The researchers themselves say they are not yet in a position to make any clinical recommendations."
She warned that high doses of vitamin A could be harmful to unborn babies and cause other health problems.
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