Metal carcinogenesis: Mechanistic implications

Cancer epidemiology has identified several metal compounds as human carcinogens. Recent evidence suggests that carcinogenic metals induce genotoxicity in a multiplicity of ways, either alone or by enhancing the effects of other agents. This review summarizes current information on the genotoxicity of arsenic, chromium, nickel, beryllium and cadmium compounds and their possible roles in carcinogenesis. Each of these metals is distinct in its primary modes of action; yet there are several mechanisms induced by more than one metal, including: the induction of cellular immunity and oxidative stress, the inhibition of DNA metabolism and repair and the formation of DNA- and/or protein-crosslinks.