Is there a link between talcum powder, oxidative stress, and ovarian cancer risk?

ABSTRACT

Introduction

The link between talcum powder use and cancer, particularly ovarian cancer, has been a topic of scientific research and legal debate for several years. Studies have suggested a potential association between long-term talcum powder use in the genital area and an increased risk of ovarian cancer.

Areas Covered

The following report includes up-to-date evidence to support the potential link between talcum powder use and the risk of developing ovarian cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is part of the World Health Organization, classified talc-based body powder as possibly carcinogenic to humans when used in the female genital area. However, other studies have not consistently supported this association, and thus more research is needed to establish a clear and definitive link between talcum powder use and cancer. Despite this, recent molecular-level data have linked talc to alterations in redox balance, gene mutations, and inflammatory responses. Specifically, we have identified a role for talc to induce the pro-oxidant state, inhibit apoptosis, and more importantly induced cellular transformation in normal ovarian cells.

Expert Opinion

We presented unequivocal evidence to support our opinion that talc is not biologically inert and induces molecular changes that mimic the hallmarks of cancer.

KEYWORDS:

• Asbestos
• inflammation
• ovarian cancer
• oxidative stress
• talc
• talcum powder

Article highlights

• International Agency for Research on Cancer classified talc-based body powder as ‘possibly carcinogenic to humans’ when used in the female genital area.

• Several epidemiological studies have reported a modest to strong increase in the risk of ovarian cancer associated with long-term genital talcum powder use.

• Talc is not biologically inert, as its exposure to cells induces oxidative stress and inflammation, a hallmark of ovarian cancer.

• Talc exposure induces cellular transformation in normal epithelial ovarian cells.

Declaration of Interest

G Saed has served as a paid consultant and expert witness for the plaintiffs in the talcum powder litigation. The author has no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.