What is the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Trial?
The Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Trial or ATBC Trial was conducted by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in collaboration with the National Public Health Institute of Finland. The purpose of the study was to see if certain vitamin supplements would prevent lung and other cancers in a group of 29,133 male smokers in Finland. The 50 to 69 year old participants took a pill containing either 50 milligrams (mg) alpha tocopherol (a form of vitamin E), 20 mg beta carotene (a precursor of vitamin A), both, or a placebo (inactive pill that looks like the vitamin) daily for five to eight years. 3. What is the Beta Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial or CARET? The Beta Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial or CARET is a large chemoprevention trial that is being conducted in six areas in the United States and is funded by NCI. The purpose of the study was to see if the combination of beta carotene and vitamin A (a retinol) supplements would prevent lung and other cancers in men
