Small plastic fragments have been detected in prostate tumors, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at NYU Langone Health, the Perlmutter Cancer Center, and the Center for the Investigation of Environmental Hazards. The research found microplastics in 9 out of 10 patients with prostate cancer, with higher concentrations inside tumors compared to nearby noncancerous tissue.
The study analyzed tissue samples from 10 men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Researchers identified plastic particles in 90 percent of tumor samples and 70 percent of benign tissue samples. On average, cancerous tissues contained about 2.5 times more plastic than healthy tissues—40 micrograms per gram versus 16 micrograms per gram.
“Our pilot study provides important evidence that microplastic exposure may be a risk factor for prostate cancer,” said Stacy Loeb, MD, lead author and professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine’s Departments of Urology and Population Health.
Dr. Loeb noted that previous data suggested possible links between microplastics and health conditions such as heart disease and dementia but little direct evidence had connected them to prostate cancer until now.
The findings will be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Genitourinary Cancers Symposium on February 26. Dr. Loeb described this as the first Western assessment comparing levels of microplastics in prostate tumors versus noncancerous tissue.
For their analysis, researchers collected samples during surgeries where patients’ prostates were removed. To prevent contamination from common plastics used in medical tools, they used alternatives made from aluminum or cotton and worked in clean rooms designed for microplastic studies. The team examined both the quantity and chemical makeup of the particles, focusing on twelve common types of plastics.
“By uncovering yet another potential health concern posed by plastic, our findings highlight the need for stricter regulatory measures to limit the public’s exposure to these substances, which are everywhere in the environment,” said senior author Vittorio Albergamo, PhD.
Dr. Albergamo explained that further research will look into how these particles might affect biological processes—such as causing inflammation—which could potentially lead to cancer over time. He emphasized that larger studies are needed to confirm these initial results.
According to data from federal health agencies, about one in eight men in the United States is expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.
The study received funding from the U.S. Department of Defense.
Other contributors included several faculty members at NYU Langone Health as well as Samir Taneja, MD, from Northwell Health in New York City.
Disclosures indicated some investigators have served as consultants or received research support from various pharmaceutical companies unrelated to this work; NYU Langone Health has managed any potential conflicts under its institutional policies.
