THE ROLE OF NICOTINE IN CANCER PATHOGENESIS: MECHANISMS OF CARCINOGENESIS AND POTENTIAL THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS

Nicotine, a major component of tobacco, plays a critical role in cancer development, acting primarily as a tumour promoter rather than a direct carcinogen. It exerts its effects by binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) on cancer cells, activating various signalling pathways that promote cell proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, and immune suppression. Additionally, nicotine induces epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone changes, which further drive tumorigenesis and contribute to cancer resistance. While nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can aid in smoking cessation, its long-term impact on cancer risk remains uncertain. Pharmacological interventions targeting nicotine’s effects, such as nicotinic receptor antagonists and epigenetic modifiers, show promise in reversing nicotine-induced tumour promotion. Combining these therapies with conventional cancer treatments may enhance treatment efficacy and provide new avenues for the prevention and management of nicotine-related cancers. Continued research is essential to further understand nicotine’s role in cancer and to develop more effective therapeutic strategies.