Inorganic arsenic and human prostate cancer.
OBJECTIVE
We critically evaluated the etiologic role of inorganic arsenic in human prostate cancer.


METHODS
We assessed data from relevant epidemiologic studies concerning environmental inorganic arsenic exposure. Whole animal studies were evaluated as were in vitro model systems of inorganic arsenic carcinogenesis in the prostate.


RESULTS
Multiple studies in humans reveal an association between environmental inorganic arsenic exposure and prostate cancer mortality or incidence. Many of these human studies provide clear evidence of a dose-response relationship. Relevant whole animal models showing a relationship between inorganic arsenic and prostate cancer are not available. However, cellular model systems indicate arsenic can induce malignant transformation of human prostate epithelial cells in vitro. Arsenic also appears to impact prostate cancer cell progression by precipitating events leading to androgen independence in vitro.


CONCLUSIONS
Available evidence in human populations and human cells in vitro indicates that the prostate is a target for inorganic arsenic carcinogenesis. A role for this common environmental contaminant in human prostate cancer initiation and/or progression would be very important.
Benbrahim-Tallaa
Lamia
L
Inorganic Carcinogenesis Section, Laboratory of Comparative Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Institute at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH/DHHS, 111 Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
Waalkes
Michael P
MP
D001151:Arsenic / Q000633:toxicity*; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000633:toxicity*; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology
D002273:Carcinogens; D001151:Arsenic