Co-carcinogens

• Cocarcinogens

  • does not cause cancer on its own; increase the effect of carcinogenic factors or substances
  • applied either just before/ together with a carcinogen --> higher tumor yields
• e.g. Catechols (components of tobacco smoke)

  • potentiate the action of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), the principal carcinogens of tobacco
• e.g. Asbestos

  • potentiates the carcinogenicity of tobacco smoke
• Proposed action mechanisms:

  1. Increased uptake of carcinogen by cells
  2. Increased bioactivation of procarcinogen
  3. Inhibition of DNA repair mechanisms