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Carcinogen Metabolism

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Encyclopedia of Cancer

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Definition

The transformation of chemicals is important in carcinogenesis both in terms of bioactivation and detoxication. Most chemical carcinogens need to be activated within the body. Such reactive forms can then cause biological damage (Fig. 1). As an example for competing processes, aflatoxin B1 was chosen (Fig. 2) (Adducts to DNA). Exactly what proportion in human cancers is the result of chemical exposure is not clear. However, in most countries, at least one third of cancer cases are due to tobacco carcinogens (Tobacco carcinogenesis, tobacco-related cancers). A significant number of cancer cases may be related to diet, although it is unknown exactly which chemicals in food cause or influence cancer. As a result of precautions adapted in the course of the last century, the number of cases due to industrial exposure seems to be very low.

Fig. 1
figure 1

General paradigm for carcinogen metabolism, including both bioactivation and detoxication reactions

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References

  • Guengerich FP (2000) Metabolism of chemical carcinogens. Carcinogenesis 21:345–351

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See Also

  • (2012) Biomarkers. In: Schwab M (ed) Encyclopedia of cancer, 3rd edn. Springer, Berlin/Heidelberg, pp 408–409. doi:10.1007/978-3-642-16483-5_6601

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biochemistry and Center in Molecular Toxicology, Biochemistry and Center in Molecular Toxicology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2200 Pierce Ave, Nashville, TN, 37232-0146, USA

    Frederick Peter Guengerich

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  1. Frederick Peter Guengerich
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Correspondence to Frederick Peter Guengerich .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Abt. Tumorgenetik, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany

    Manfred Schwab

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Guengerich, F.P. (2014). Carcinogen Metabolism. In: Schwab, M. (eds) Encyclopedia of Cancer. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27841-9_842-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27841-9_842-5

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-27841-9

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