Talcum powder induces malignant transformation of human primary normal ovarian epithelial cells but not human primary normal peritoneal fibroblasts

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to demonstrate whether exposure to talcum powder induces malignant transformation in human primary normal ovarian epithelial cells and human primary normal peritoneal fibroblasts. Epidemiological and molecular studies have linked perineal use of talcum powder to increased risk of ovarian cancer. Exposure to talcum powder was shown to induce specific point mutations in key redox enzymes that altered their activities in both normal and epithelial ovarian cancer cells.