[Genetic damage in human tumors associated with particular behavioral or occupational exposures].
We have conducted a review of the literature on chemical exposures (known carcinogens), mutations in oncogenes/tumor suppressor genes and the occurrence of malignancies. The underlying hypothesis of the studies on this issue is that specific carcinogenic chemicals induce specific mutations in relevant genes ("fingerprints") and that the latter are involved in the causal pathway that leads to cancer. The confirmation of such hypothesis is conditioned by limitations of the available techniques, and by the design of the epidemiological studies. We discuss methodological problems inherent in the identification of oncogene mutations within studies in humans, such as the limited sensitivity of molecular techniques, which may lead to a bias toward the null. Although several studies--concerning mainly lung or bladder cancer and tobacco smoking or some occupational exposures--give support to the theory of "fingerprints", further evidence is warranted.
Celano
A
A
Scuola Specializzazione in Oncologia, Università degli Studi, Torino.
Valenti
D
D
Vineis
P
P
D000818:Animals; D001519:Behavior; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004249:DNA Damage; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D009857:Oncogenes; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects
D002273:Carcinogens; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm