An orally- and topically-active naturally- occurring retinoic acid agent with antineoplastic and potential chemopreventive, teratogenic, and embryotoxic properties. 9-Cis-retinoic acid binds to nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RAR) and retinoid X receptors (RXR), resulting in inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of cell differentiation, and apoptosis of some tumor cells.(NCI04)