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Microscopic menace: exploring the link between microplastics and cancer pathogenesis
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This review examines the growing evidence linking microplastic exposure to cancer development in humans. Microplastics can accumulate in the body and trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and other biological changes associated with tumor growth. While more clinical research is needed, the review highlights that microplastics should be taken seriously as a potential factor in cancer risk.
Microplastics represent a group of emerging environmental contaminants widely recognized for their potential impacts on human health, particularly concerning the pathogenesis of cancer. Generally defined as plastic particles between 1 μm and 5 mm, microplastics and nanoparticles are major environmental contaminants and potential health hazards. This review aims to engage with the intricate dimensions of microplastics, and their classification and persistence across different ecosystems. It underscores their bioaccumulation and pervasive presence. Although significant insights have been garnered, much remains to be elucidated regarding the full spectrum of impact microplastics have on human health. Evidence derived from both epidemiological and experimental studies underscores the urgent necessity for clinical research to elucidate the microplastic-cancer connection. It is a very important concern in biomedicine as cancer remains the leading cause of mortality irrespective of the advancement in diagnostic and therapeutic regimens. Furthermore, improvements in the detection and analysis of microplastics within biological samples are also scrutinized. The article concludes with future directions which advocate for standardized research protocols, regulatory measures and interdisciplinary collaboration to confront the microscopic threat posed by microplastics in cancer pathogenesis. However, this endeavour necessitates concerted efforts across various scientific domains, because only through such collaboration can we hope to achieve meaningful progress in understanding this critical issue.
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The Relationship Between Microplastics and Nanoplastics with Cancer: An Emerging Health Concern
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This review explores the emerging relationship between micro- and nanoplastic exposure and cancer risk in humans. Researchers summarized evidence suggesting that microplastics can carry carcinogenic substances and may trigger inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways linked to tumor development. The study highlights that while early evidence raises concern, more research is needed to establish clear causal connections between plastic particle exposure and specific cancer types.
Microplastics as emerging carcinogens: from environmental pollutants to oncogenic drivers
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This review examines growing evidence that microplastics and nanoplastics may play a role in cancer development, with these particles found in human tumor tissues from the lungs, colon, stomach, breast, and other organs. The particles appear to promote cancer through chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and disruption of key cancer-related signaling pathways. While direct proof of causation in humans is still lacking, the accumulating evidence from lab studies, animal experiments, and human tissue analysis suggests microplastics deserve serious attention as potential contributors to cancer risk.
The micro(nano)plastics perspective: exploring cancer development and therapy
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This review explores the emerging link between microplastics and cancer development. Microplastics can trigger chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormone disruption, all of which are known pathways that may promote cancer growth. Interestingly, researchers are also studying whether engineered microplastics could be used as drug carriers for cancer therapy, though long-term effects remain unclear.
Micro(nano)plastics pollution and human health: How plastics can induce carcinogenesis to humans?
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This review examines how microplastics and nanoplastics enter the human body through food, water, and air, and how they may contribute to cancer development. Common plastic types like polystyrene and PVC, along with toxic chemicals they carry such as PAHs and PCBs, have been linked to DNA damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation, all of which can promote cancer. The paper highlights that while the evidence is growing, more research is needed to understand the full cancer risk from chronic microplastic exposure.
From Exposure to Oncogenesis: the Role of Microplastics and Associated Pollutants in Cancer - a Literature Review
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This literature review examined the growing evidence linking microplastic exposure to cancer development. Microplastics have been found in human lung, liver, and colon tissue, and research suggests they may promote cancer through chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and by carrying known carcinogens like heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants into the body.
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