2026 AMC Community Grand Rounds -Microplastics and Prostate Cancer: What the Early Evidence Shows - 10/14/2026

Microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) are increasingly being detected in human tissues, raising questions about their potential health effects. Our presentation will review emerging evidence regarding the presence of microplastics in prostate tissues and their possible relationship with prostate cancer. We will discuss a 2024 exploratory study of 12 men undergoing transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for lower urinary tract symptoms. Microplastics were found in 6 of 12 samples, with nylon (polyamide) being the most common. Identified human exposure routes for synthetic nanofibers include ingestion of dust or inhalation of airborne fibers. We will then examine a more recent 2026 ASCO poster from NYU Langone, which measured MNPs in tumor and adjacent benign tissue from 10 men undergoing radical prostatectomy. MNPs were found in 9 of 10 patients, at higher concentrations in tumor tissue. Both studies are small and descriptive, and neither shows that microplastics cause prostate cancer. However, they can serve as important guiding points for future studies on microplastics and their impacts on prostate cancer. Our session will cover exposure routes, detection methods, contamination controls, the limits of the evidence, and what remains to be studied.

There will not be any AI generated educational content in this session.

Free Teams Program

Teams Information Below

1. Describe the main routes of human microplastic exposure and the tissues in which MNPs have been detected.
2. Summarize the findings of the Demirelli (TURP) and Loeb (radical prostatectomy) studies, including detection rates and the polymer types identified.
3. Compare the analytic methods used to detect MNPs and the contamination controls they require.

Cancellation Policy

Albany Medical College reserves the right to cancel or postpone this program if necessary; in the event of cancellation, course fees will be fully refunded. We are not responsible for other costs incurred such as non-refundable airline tickets or hotel penalties.

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Wednesday, October 14, 2026

We have not received any commercial support for this activity.