Definition

The delta form of the vitamin E family member tocotrienol, with potential antineoplastic activity. Upon administration, delta-tocotrienol accumulates in cancer cells and may exert their anti-cancer activity in part through 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase downregulation and/or degradation, cell cycle arrest, and induction of caspase-mediated apoptosis. In addition, this agent may inhibit angiogenesis partially through the blockage of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and the inhibition of tumor cell-induced vessel formation. Altogether, this may result in the inhibition of tumor cell growth. Tocotrienols contain 3 double bonds, absent in tocopherols, on its farnesyl isoprenoid side chain that likely contribute to its anti-cancer activities.