Study Finds Microplastics in Prostate Cancer Tumors

A recent study has detected microplastics in prostate cancer tumors, stirring up questions about how these pollutants might affect public health.

The research, which involved a small group of 10 men, was shared at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Genitourinary Cancers Symposium but hasn’t yet undergone peer review.

Researchers examined tissue samples from the patients, all of whom had an average age of 65 and had undergone prostate removal as part of their cancer treatment. They also looked at noncancerous tissue from the opposite side of the prostate.

Microplastics were found in 90% of the cancerous tumors and in 70% of the noncancerous samples. The amount of plastic found in the tumors was, on average, 2.5 times higher than in the noncancerous tissue, hitting about 40 micrograms per gram.

Dr. Stacy Loeb, the lead researcher and a urologist at NYU Langone Health, expressed surprise and concern about the concentrated levels in tumors, suggesting it raises questions about a potential link to prostate cancer development. “We’ll definitely be investigating this further with more cases,” she stated.

Dr. Michael Eisenberg, a urology professor at Stanford University who wasn’t part of the study, acknowledged that this research doesn’t establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. However, he noted a worrying trend regarding the prevalence of microplastics and their potential ties to health issues, emphasizing the need for more data.

This is not the first time microplastics have been found in prostate cancer. A previous study from China in 2024 noted similar findings, but Loeb mentioned that their approach utilized more accurate measurement techniques while also taking steps to prevent contamination that could distort results.

The widespread nature of plastic complicates research on microplastics in human tissue, raising the question of whether plastic found in samples originated from the human body or stemmed from lab contamination. Past studies on microplastics in brain tissue and arteries have been scrutinized for their methodologies, including concerns about contamination.

Loeb’s research took rigorous precautions, planned over a year. During surgical procedures, efforts were made to minimize plastic exposure, and careful consideration was given to contamination during analysis. “If anything, we might have been overly cautious, given that the samples were taken deep within the prostate, making any contamination less likely,” she explained. Tumor and benign samples from the same patient were treated identically, which reinforces the findings.

Dr. Andrea Viale, an associate professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center, noted that while this study doesn’t prove a causal link between microplastics and prostate cancer, it’s certainly a theory that warrants serious consideration, especially with rising diagnoses of advanced cases.

In the U.S., about 1 in 8 men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis. Rates of late-stage disease have been rising annually, with significant increases noted among men of varying age groups over the last decade.

“Finding these particles in tumors indicates that we need to pay close attention to this issue for public health reasons,” Viale added. “Implementing strategies to reduce exposure is vital, as we really don’t know what the implications are.”

According to Eisenberg, microplastics could be exacerbating oxidative damage in prostate cells and impacting immune responses. Moreover, those particles might facilitate the transport of potentially harmful substances, like phthalates or bisphenols, which are linked to prostate cancer.

However, determining the role of plastic particles in cancer development is complicated. Viale pointed out that plastics come in many forms, each containing various additives and contaminants, making it tough to pin down causal relationships. Their interaction with tissues might depend on physical attributes or chemical components.

Loeb and her team have received funding for a larger study examining tissue samples from 30 prostate cancer patients. They plan to explore any correlations between plastic quantities and inflammation levels in the tissues.

In future investigations, she aims to compare plastic prevalence between aggressive and less aggressive prostate tumors. She also encourages other research teams to conduct similar studies to corroborate these findings.

“Ultimately, this research is just the beginning,” Loeb summarized. “We’re not close to definitively linking microplastics to prostate cancer, but it’s something worth exploring further.”