The article "Polyamines and Cancer: Old Molecules, New Understanding" by Eugene W. Gerner and Frank L. Meyskens Jr. reviews the role of polyamines in cancer and their potential as chemopreventive agents. Polyamines, derived from amino acids, are essential for cell growth and viability in various organisms. The synthesis of polyamines is regulated by specific oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes, and their levels are often elevated in cancerous tissues. Inhibition of polyamine synthesis has shown limited effectiveness in clinical trials but has been promising in preclinical studies for cancer chemoprevention. The authors discuss the mechanisms by which polyamines contribute to cancer, including their role in cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and tissue remodelling. They highlight the importance of specific genes and proteins, such as ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and its antizyme (OAZ), in regulating polyamine levels. The article also reviews the development and clinical evaluation of difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), a specific ODC inhibitor, for cancer prevention. DFMO has shown promise in reducing the risk of colon polyp recurrence and other epithelial cancers when used in combination with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The review emphasizes the need for further research to optimize the use of polyamine inhibitors in cancer prevention and therapy, including the identification of optimal dosages, potential toxicities, and the development of combination therapies. The authors conclude by discussing the broader implications of polyamine research and its potential for advancing cancer prevention and treatment strategies.The article "Polyamines and Cancer: Old Molecules, New Understanding" by Eugene W. Gerner and Frank L. Meyskens Jr. reviews the role of polyamines in cancer and their potential as chemopreventive agents. Polyamines, derived from amino acids, are essential for cell growth and viability in various organisms. The synthesis of polyamines is regulated by specific oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes, and their levels are often elevated in cancerous tissues. Inhibition of polyamine synthesis has shown limited effectiveness in clinical trials but has been promising in preclinical studies for cancer chemoprevention. The authors discuss the mechanisms by which polyamines contribute to cancer, including their role in cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and tissue remodelling. They highlight the importance of specific genes and proteins, such as ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and its antizyme (OAZ), in regulating polyamine levels. The article also reviews the development and clinical evaluation of difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), a specific ODC inhibitor, for cancer prevention. DFMO has shown promise in reducing the risk of colon polyp recurrence and other epithelial cancers when used in combination with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The review emphasizes the need for further research to optimize the use of polyamine inhibitors in cancer prevention and therapy, including the identification of optimal dosages, potential toxicities, and the development of combination therapies. The authors conclude by discussing the broader implications of polyamine research and its potential for advancing cancer prevention and treatment strategies.