About this Research Topic
Several mechanisms have been proposed to mediate the alcohol’s effects; Direct cellular and DNA damage could occur from alcohol’s metabolism and the associated oxidative stress as well as from intermediately metabolites of alcohol (i.e., acetaldehyde). The indirect effect of alcohol through immune dysregulation, epigenetics, angiogenesis, and hormonal effects could further promote cancer formation. However, the contribution of each of the alcohol-associated dysregulated pathways on the neoplastic transformation is dependent on context, dose, and tissue. A better understanding of the mechanisms through which alcohol promotes cancer could help us identify targets to prevent and possibly treat cancers associated with alcohol consumption.
This Research Topic will include Original Research and Review Articles that focus on, but are not limited to, the following:
1) Clinical and epidemiological data as well as novel mechanistic links between alcohol and cancers of the digestive system
2) Studies that test the role of patterns of drinking (heavy, social, and binge drinking) or type of alcohol beverages
3) Interaction of alcohol with genetic or environmental factors in promoting cancer formation in the digestive system
Keywords: Alcohol, Gastrointestinal, Cancers, digestive system, lifestyle
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.