Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are environmental contaminants increasingly detected in human tissues, raising public health concerns. Although evidence is still insufficient to directly link MNPs to genitourinary cancers (GU), this Review examines their potential role in prostate, bladder, and renal cell carcinoma. Proposed mechanisms include chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and endocrine disruption driven by plastic-associated additives. Emerging studies report quantitative detection of MNPs within human prostate and bladder tumors, with higher burdens associated with dietary habits such as frequent take-out food consumption. The Review also highlights their role in cancer therapy: MNPs may alter antineoplastic drug pharmacokinetics and promote resistance, yet polymer-based nanoparticles can be engineered as advanced drug delivery platforms. Materials such as PLGA and PEG may improve targeted delivery of chemotherapies and immunotherapies, supporting more effective and personalized treatment strategies in GU oncology.
Source: Communications Medicine
Institutions: Arabian Gulf University, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Marche Polytechnic University, Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, University of Parma, IRCCS Azienda Ospedliero-Universitaria di Bologna Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, University of Bologna, Ospedale di Macerata, ARON Research Foundation ETS
Language: English
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,690
OpenAlex ID: W7162515560