Electronic cigarette: is it a risk factor for the development of bladder cancer?

Introduction:
This text discusses the potential risk of bladder cancer associated with the use of electronic cigarettes. Readers will learn about the design of several studies and their major findings that suggest a correlation between e-cigarette use and bladder cancer.

Key Points:

* E-cigarettes are devices that have gained widespread acceptance, particularly among young people, and their safety profile has not been fully characterized.
* The aerosol produced by e-cigarettes contains metallic nanoparticles and higher formaldehyde content due to the heating of additives and solvents.
* a study found varying nicotine concentrations in one popular e-cigarette brand, which did not correspond to the concentration indicated on the packaging.
* Vaporization of e-cigarette liquids at biologically relevant doses leads to increased DNa strand breaks, cell death, and decreased clonogenic survival.
* a study analyzing the cartomizer and interior of 22 different devices found cytotoxic tin particles and filaments, as well as nanoparticles of tin, chromium, and nickel in the aerosol.
* E-cigarette users have higher concentrations of several carcinogenic compounds associated with bladder cancer, which can cause direct DNa damage and inhibit DNa repair mechanisms in urothelial cells.
* a preliminary study was published at the american Society for Genitourinary Cancer (aSCO) 2022 Congress, showing an increased risk of developing lung and bladder cancer in e-cigarette users.

Main Message:
The text highlights the potential risk of bladder cancer associated with e-cigarette use, which is a concern for urologists and health professionals. The findings suggest that e-cigarettes may affect metabolic pathways involved in bladder cancer, have a mutagenic effect, and contribute to the development and progression of cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to warn the young population using these devices of this potential risk.

astudillo C, García-Perdomo ha. Electronic cigarette: is it a risk factor for the development of bladder cancer? actas urologicas espanolas. Published online april 20, 2023. doi:10.1016/j.acuroe.2023.04.007