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Do microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) directly contribute to human carcinogenesis?
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This review examines whether microplastics and nanoplastics could directly contribute to cancer development in humans. Evidence from lab and animal studies shows these particles can cause DNA damage, chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and disrupt important cancer-related signaling pathways. While a direct causal link to human cancer has not been proven yet, the review argues that microplastics should be considered potential cancer-promoting agents that warrant urgent further research.
Microplastics (MPs; 0.1-5000 μm) and nanoplastics (NPs; 1-1000 nm) are ubiquitous contaminants that can enter the human body through the mouth, nose, and skin, where they bioaccumulate in many organs and tissues. The role of MPs/NPs in carcinogenesis is still largely unknown, despite mounting evidence linking them to DNA damage, cellular stress, and inflammation. The toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic mechanisms-absorption, distribution, and molecular interactions-by which MPs/NPs may cause or contribute to cancer are the aim of this review, which provides the first thorough, multidisciplinary investigation of this topic. By combining epidemiological, in vitro, and in vivo data, we are able to discover molecular pathways that may link exposure to carcinogenesis, such as transcription factor modulation and autophagy dysregulation. This review highlights the need for targeted research and coordinated regulatory action to limit the long-term health impact of MPs/NPs by redefining them as possible oncogenic agents in addition to environmental pollutants by emphasizing knowledge gaps and novel molecular targets. This review aims to provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary synthesis of current knowledge on MPs/NPs to shed light on the toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic processes-absorption, distribution, cellular, and molecular interactions-that may underlie their potential carcinogenicity. In order to establish causation, this review further suggests giving priority to longitudinal epidemiology, physiologically relevant dose setting, and human-relevant mechanistic platforms (organoids, organs-on-chips, and multi-omics).
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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.
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.
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.
Evaluating the relationship between microplastics and nanoplastics contamination and diverse cancer types development
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This review examines growing evidence that micro- and nanoplastics found in human tissues may contribute to cancer development through several pathways. These tiny particles can generate harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species, cause chronic inflammation, and disrupt cell growth signals, all of which are known to promote cancer. While long-term, high-level exposure likely poses the greatest risk, more research is needed to understand the full cancer-related dangers of microplastic exposure.
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.
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