The role of inert particles in malignant transformations: a hypothesis of carcinogenesis

Controlled cellular growth exists in an aqueous matrix that undergoes a spectrum of reversible solvent and structural conformational changes. In contrast, malignant tumor formation occurs in an irreversible nonpolar aqueous matrix (coacervate); that is, in a physicochemical sense uncontrollable cell growth exists in a hydrocarbon-like milieu. It is proposed that foreign isoluble particles which locate on cellular surfaces can induce such coacervate structuring. Resultant formation of abnormal film matrices could initiate pathological transformations in the morphology, metabolism, and replication of the affected cells. In short, this abnormal matrix formation may be a critical factor in the development of malignancies, both avascular and vascular stages. It would follow that drugs or other agents capable of disrupting coacervated water matrices could be effective in the treatment of cancer. Experimental studies in our laboratory and clinical data from other sources support this hypothesis.