EDUCATION FROM DERMATOLOGISTS: THE SIMULTANEOUSLY DEVELOPMENT OF 16 KERATINOCYTIC CANCERS AFTER USE OF METFORMIN IN

G Tchernev1, D Dimova2

  • 11Onkoderma - Clinic for Dermatology, Venereology and Dermatologic Surgery, Sofia; 2Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical Institute of Ministry of Interior, Sofia, Bulgaria.

Georgian Medical News
|April 12, 2024
PubMed

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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