CGPH FACULTY: Allan H Smith
DATE OF PUBLICATION: January 2015
REGION: Latin America
REFERENCE: Smith AH, Marshall G, Yuan Y, Steinmaus C, Liaw J, Smith MT, Wood L, Heirich M, Fritzemeier RM, Pegram MD, Ferreccio C. Rapid reduction in breast cancer mortality with inorganic arsenic in drinking water. EBioMedicine. 2014 Nov 1;1(1):58-63.
SUMMARY/ABSTRACT: Arsenic trioxide is effective in treating promyelocytic leukemia, and laboratory studies demonstrate that arsenic trioxide causes apoptosis of human breast cancer cells. Region II in northern Chile experienced very high concentrations of inorganic arsenic in drinking water, especially in the main city Antofagasta from 1958 until an arsenic removal plant was installed in 1970. We found biologically plausible major reductions in breast cancer mortality during high exposure to inorganic arsenic in drinking water which could not be attributed to bias or confounding. We recommend clinical trial assessment of inorganic arsenic in the treatment of advanced breast cancer.
ACCESS: Link to Pubmed