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EDUCATION FROM DERMATOLOGISTS: THE SIMULTANEOUSLY DEVELOPMENT OF 16 KERATINOCYTIC CANCERS AFTER USE OF METFORMIN IN
11Onkoderma - Clinic for Dermatology, Venereology and Dermatologic Surgery, Sofia; 2Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical Institute of Ministry of Interior, Sofia, Bulgaria.
Abstract:
Oncopharmacogenesis and Drug-Induced Skin cancer related Nitrosogenesis are newly introduced concepts in the medical literature that owe their genesis or presence to the carcinogens/ mutagens, also known as nitrosamines/NDSRIs, which are present in a heterogeneous class of drugs. The contribution to the origin of these 2 concepts is entirely due to 1) the functions and efficacy of FDA in terms of control and identification of these carcinogens, and 2) the establishment of clinicopathological correlations by the dermatologists, occurring during drug intake. According to recent FDA data, the concentration of NDMA in just one metformin tablet could be up to more than 5-fold increased. The intake of 3 to 6 tablets per day should result in a carcinogen intake that is 15 to 30 times elevated within the day and within the monomedication alone. It is these circumstances that paraphrase/ ˝betonate˝ concepts such as Onco-Pharmacogenesis and Drug-mediated Nitrosogenesis of skin cancer. Although not officially declared, these mutagens are present and have been in forced tolerance mode for the last 30-40 years. And after their intake, multiple cancers have been found to develop. The concomitant use of other nitrosamine-contaminated drugs such as losartan/hydrochlorothiazide, metoprolol and nefidipine should certainly not be surprising when it could also be associated with the development of exactly 16 keratinocytic tumours as in the case presented by us. Recent evidence in medical literature has linked the nitrosamine N-nitrosomorpholine (NMOR) with the direct development of its subsequent mutagenic action in rodents following irradiation with UVA. This fact leaves open the question of the potentially available photocarcinogenic action of the other nitrosamines in humans found in medicinal preparations. This is what necessitates a clarification of the concept of Photo-Nitroso-Carcinogenesis/ Oncogenesis in humans and its relationship to skin cancer. The overlap of the mutational patterns of some of the nitrosamine-induced mutations in target genes such as p53 and RAS oncogenes, with those of UV light-induced mutations - or practically the same ones mentioned above, suggest a possible significant role of the Drug-Induced Photo-Nitroso-Carcinogenesis of keratinocyte cancer in the context of Onco-Pharmacogenesis. Future analyses should focus on elucidating the photocarcinogenic effect of nitrosamines in drug preparations and differentiating Skin cancer Nitrosogenesis from ˝pure˝ Photo-Carcinogenesis and Nitroso-Photo-Carcinogenesis. The localization of the tumors in the area of the UV-exposed sites within the potential/actual contamination of the 4 preparations (simultaneously) in the described patient are indicative of a possible pathogenetic influence in the context of the already mentioned Nitroso-(Photo)carcinogenesis. Polycontamination of polymedication remains a so far unresolvable problem.
Insights
New concepts, oncopharmacogenesis and drug-induced nitrosogenesis, link carcinogens in medications to skin cancer. Increased nitrosamine levels from drugs like metformin may elevate cancer risk, especially with UV exposure.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Oncopharmacogenesis and drug-induced nitrosogenesis are emerging concepts linking drug-related carcinogens (nitrosamines/NDSRIs) to cancer development.
- The efficacy of FDA regulations and dermatologists' clinicopathological correlations are crucial in identifying and understanding these risks.
- Elevated nitrosamine levels, such as NDMA in metformin, pose a significant risk, with daily intake potentially increasing carcinogen exposure substantially.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and clarify the concepts of oncopharmacogenesis and drug-induced nitrosogenesis in relation to skin cancer.
- To explore the potential photocarcinogenic effects of nitrosamines found in medications.
- To differentiate between pure photocarcinogenesis, nitrosogenesis, and combined nitroso-photocarcinogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent FDA data on nitrosamine concentrations in pharmaceuticals.
- Analysis of clinicopathological correlations in patients with drug-induced cancers.
- Examination of existing literature linking nitrosamines (e.g., NMOR) to mutagenic and photocarcinogenic actions.
- Comparison of mutational patterns from nitrosamine exposure and UV radiation.
Main Results:
- Certain drugs contain nitrosamines at levels that significantly increase daily carcinogen intake.
- Concomitant use of multiple contaminated drugs may be associated with a higher incidence of skin tumors.
- Evidence suggests nitrosamines may have photocarcinogenic potential in humans, similar to UV radiation.
- Overlapping mutational patterns in genes like p53 and RAS indicate a potential role for drug-induced photo-nitroso-carcinogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Drug-induced nitrosogenesis, particularly in conjunction with UV exposure, is a significant factor in skin cancer development.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the photocarcinogenic effects of nitrosamines in medications.
- Polypharmacy involving multiple contaminated drugs presents a complex, unresolved challenge in managing cancer risk.
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