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Chemical-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis Model Using Dimethylbenz[a]Anthracene and 12-O-Tetradecanoyl Phorbol-13-Acetate DMBA-TPA
Published on: December 19, 2019
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Photosensitizing medications and photocarcinogenesis
Susan M O'Gorman1, Gillian M Murphy
1Department of Dermatology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine
|January 8, 2014
Summary
Many medications cause photosensitivity, an abnormal light reaction. This review examines evidence linking photosensitizing drugs to increased skin cancer risk and the underlying mechanisms of photochemical genotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Photochemistry
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Photosensitivity is an abnormal response to light exposure from medications.
- Drug-induced photosensitivity effects can be subclinical.
- Some drugs are used long-term for chronic conditions, raising cancer risk questions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinical, mechanistic, and epidemiological evidence.
- To investigate the link between photosensitizing drugs and skin cancer.
- To explore mechanisms of photochemical genotoxicity and carcinogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical data.
- Analysis of mechanistic studies on drug-induced photosensitivity.
- Epidemiological assessment of skin cancer risk associated with medications.
Main Results:
- Numerous medications are known photosensitizers.
- Some drugs have clear mechanisms for potentiating skin cancer.
- Mechanisms for other drug-induced cancers remain unclear.
Conclusions:
- Drug-induced photosensitivity is a recognized phenomenon.
- Evidence supports a link between certain photosensitizing drugs and skin cancer.
- Further research is needed to elucidate all carcinogenic mechanisms.
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