Cancer and Environmental Xenobiotics: Mechanisms, Controversies, and Innovations

Area of Science:

• Environmental Oncology
• Molecular Carcinogenesis
• Toxicology

Background:

• The impact of environmental toxins on cancer development is often underestimated and spans multiple scientific fields.
• Growing evidence links chronic exposure to various toxins (e.g., pollutants, heavy metals, pesticides, microplastics) to cancer initiation, progression, and treatment resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize recent mechanistic, molecular, and epidemiological findings on environmental toxins and carcinogenesis from 2015-2025.
• To provide a comprehensive framework for understanding toxin-induced cancer and guiding future research and public health policy.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and MeSH databases.
• Analysis of mechanistic pathways, molecular targets, epidemiological data, and case studies.
• Inclusion of recent innovations in environmental oncology and exposure assessment.

Main Results:

• Key carcinogenic pathways involve oxidative stress, epigenetic reprogramming, hormone modulation, inflammation, immune evasion, and tumor microenvironment changes.
• Specific toxins like benzene, arsenic, pesticides, and microplastics are linked to various cancers, posing significant public health risks.
• Emerging technologies offer new insights into susceptibility, early detection, and personalized prevention strategies.

Conclusions:

• Environmental toxins are critical, yet underrecognized, contributors to the global cancer burden.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration and addressing data gaps, especially in low- and middle-income countries, are essential.
• Integrating molecular insights, epidemiological data, and technological advancements is crucial for effective cancer prevention and control.