Scientists explore molecular link between arsenic exposure and lung cancer

Arsenic is a natural element in the environment, sometimes found in air, soil and water. Arsenic contaminated water is a global threat, currently affecting more than 100 million people. Both genetic and epigenetic changes drive arsenic-induced carcinogenesis and lung cancer is one of the main consequences of this process.

Researchers from the British Columbia Cancer Research Center have analyzed a panel of lung tumors from a population exposed to arsenic. Victor Martinez, researcher at the British Columba Cancer Research Center, will share his latest research at the 5th Latin American Conference on Lung Cancer.

"Lung tumors induced by arsenic are different molecular entities and specific therapeutic approaches should be considered," Martinez says. "These results may help to prevent arsenic-related cancer in other parts of the world, such as USA and Canada, where exposure to arsenic (even at low levels) has been also linked with lung cancer and other diseases."

Martinez will share the latest on his research at an abstract session Thursday, July 26 in the Louvre I room at the Windsor Barra Hotel.