3 ms·
As much as the article frames carcinogenesis as an active process, couldn't there also be a whole class of immunotoxins - the exposed of which could disrupt the
by kelseyfrog 3y ago
As much as the article frames carcinogenesis as an active process, couldn't there also be a whole class of immunotoxins - the exposed of which could disrupt the body's ability to identify and eliminate neoplasms?
Maybe this illustrates a gap in my physiology/immunology knowledge, but I thought that neoplasms were routinely identified and eliminated by the immune system. A disruption in this immune-system neoplasm detection homeostasis could make certain non-mutagenic chemicals effectively appear as carcinogens.
- jjtheblunt 3y agoNot sure if you're in the US _and_ watch network TV (by accident, here) but there is endless advertising for immuno-suppressant drugs for plaque psoriasis, during which they say these drugs can increase the chance for cancers. I think that's an example of what you asked.
- kelseyfrog 3y agoI'm in the US, but I don't have a television. That's an interesting point. I considered, but left out Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus, Mycophenolate Mofetil, and glucocorticoids as examples of medications that potentially increase cancer risk due to immunological effects. I was thinking more along the lines of chemicals with unknown immunotoxic effects ex: environmental exposure, but medications are still a good category to identify.
- jjtheblunt 3y agoI too was not a TV person for years but the spouse is. Shrug