Mechanisms of arsenic carcinogenicity: genetic or epigenetic mechanisms?

J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 2000;19(3):281-6.

Abstract

Environmental and occupational exposure to arsenic is associated with increased risk of skin, urinary bladder, and respiratory tract cancers. The mechanisms responsible for arsenic carcinogenesis have not been established. Arsenic does not act through classic genotoxic and mutagenic mechanisms, as do other metals such as cadmium or chromium. Increasing evidence indicates that arsenic acts at the level of tumor promotion by modulating the signaling pathways responsible for cell growth.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arsenic / toxicity*
  • Carcinogens / toxicity*
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / chemically induced
  • Lung Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Skin Neoplasms / chemically induced
  • Skin Neoplasms / genetics
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / chemically induced
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / genetics

Substances

  • Carcinogens
  • Arsenic