On the Carcinogenicity of an Iron-Dextran Complex2

A recent observation, by H. G. Richmond, on the carcinogenicity of an iron-dextran complex, is confirmed and extended, the complex having proved markedly carcinogenic in the rat and mouse after subcutaneous injection of massive doses. The bulk of tumors appear at the site of injection as sarcomas arising from the iron-laden connective and reticuloendothelial tissues. The component dextran is inactive. It is still not known whether the potency of the complex is a function of the metal alone or of the entire complex. The various possibilities are considered, with particular reference to alternative mechanisms of action involving differing aspects of iron metabolism, and including the inactivation of vitamin E.