Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Induction of Invasive Transitional Cell Bladder Carcinoma in Immune Intact Human MUC1 Transgenic Mice: A Model for Immunotherapy Development
11:02

Induction of Invasive Transitional Cell Bladder Carcinoma in Immune Intact Human MUC1 Transgenic Mice: A Model for Immunotherapy Development

Published on: October 31, 2013

Drug-induced cancer

R Hoover, J F Fraumeni

    Cancer
    |March 1, 1981
    PubMed

    Insights

    Certain medications, particularly estrogenic compounds like DES, menopausal estrogens, and oral contraceptives, are linked to human cancer. Clinicians play a vital role in preventing drug-induced cancers by monitoring risks and benefits.

    Area of Science:

    • Oncology
    • Pharmacology
    • Epidemiology

    Background:

    • Medicinal agents have been associated with human cancer development.
    • Estrogenic compounds, including diethylstilbestrol (DES), menopausal estrogens, and oral contraceptives, are under scrutiny.
    • Several other drugs require further epidemiologic evaluation for potential cancer links.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review medicinal agents linked to human cancer.
    • To highlight recent evidence on estrogenic compounds and cancer.
    • To emphasize the role of clinicians in preventing drug-induced cancer.

    Main Methods:

    • Literature review of drug-cancer associations.
    • Analysis of recent evidence implicating specific drug classes.
    • Discussion of clinical and public health implications.

    Main Results:

    • Estrogenic compounds (DES, menopausal estrogens, oral contraceptives) are implicated in human carcinogenesis.
    • Other drugs are under suspicion and require further investigation.
    • Identifying drug-cancer links informs clinical practice and carcinogenesis research.

    Conclusions:

    • Clinicians are crucial in preventing iatrogenic (drug-induced) cancer.
    • Alertness to hazards, risk-benefit assessment, and patient communication are key clinician roles.
    • Understanding drug-cancer associations provides insights into carcinogenesis mechanisms.

    More Related Videos

    Detecting Anastasis In Vivo by CaspaseTracker Biosensor20:16

    Detecting Anastasis In Vivo by CaspaseTracker Biosensor

    Published on: February 1, 2018

    Chemical-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis Model Using Dimethylbenz[a]Anthracene and 12-O-Tetradecanoyl Phorbol-13-Acetate (DMBA-TPA)04:12

    Chemical-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis Model Using Dimethylbenz[a]Anthracene and 12-O-Tetradecanoyl Phorbol-13-Acetate (DMBA-TPA)

    Published on: December 19, 2019

    Related Concept Videos

    Cancer Prevention02:59

    Cancer Prevention

    Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
    Some...
    Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

    Targeted Cancer Therapies

    The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
    There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
    Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

    Treatment Resistant Cancers

    Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
    Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

    Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

    Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
    The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
    Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

    Targeted Cancer Therapies

    The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
    There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
    Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity01:25

    Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity

    Mutagenicity and carcinogenicity refer to the ability of drugs to cause genetic defects and induce cancer, respectively. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies agents into four groups based on their carcinogenic potential. Group 1 agents are known human carcinogens; group 2A agents are probably carcinogenic to humans; group 3 agents lack data to support their role in carcinogenesis; and group 4 includes agents for which data support that they are not likely to be...