Anthraquinone laxatives and human cancer: an association in one case.
An 18 year old girl presented with a leiomyosarcoma of the small bowel with widespread dissemination. Despite short term remissions after chemotherapy and surgery she died of the disease 10 months later. A history of prolonged exposure to danthron (an anthraquinone laxative) in childhood was obtained. Anthraquinones are known to be mutagenic and may be carcinogenic in experimental systems but danthron is not a proven carcinogen in man. The association of danthron and a rare bowel cancer in one case cannot prove a causative link. However, collection of further data seems advisable.
Patel
P M
PM
Institute of Cancer Research, Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, Surrey, UK.
Selby
P J
PJ
Deacon
J
J
Chilvers
C
C
McElwain
T J
TJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000880:Anthraquinones / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002400:Cathartics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007078:Ileal Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced*; D007890:Leiomyosarcoma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000556:secondary; D009153:Mutagens / Q000009:adverse effects
D000880:Anthraquinones; D002400:Cathartics; D009153:Mutagens; C004315:danthron