Talcum powder induces malignant transformation in normal human primary ovarian epithelial cells

BACKGROUND Several studies have linked perineal use of talcum powder to increased risk of ovarian cancer (OC). Here, we determined that exposure to talcum powder induces malignant transformation in human normal ovarian cells. METHODS Human primary ovarian epithelial cells (HPOE), ovarian epithelial cells (HOSEpiC), and primary fibroblasts (NF) were treated with either 100 or 500 ug/ml of talcum powder or titanium dioxide (TiO2) as a particulate control for 72 hours before assessment with a cell transformation assay and p53 and Ki67 immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Treatment with talcum powder resulted in formation of colonies, indicating cell malignant transformation in a dose dependent manner in ovarian cell lines. No colonies formed in the untreated ovarian cells or control ovarian cells (TiO2 treated) at either dose. There were no colonies formed in talc treated NF cells. Transformed ovarian cells were increased by 11% and 20% in HPOE and 24% and 40% in HOSEpic cells for talcum powder 100 and 500 ug/ml doses, respectively (p