An Overview of Current Efforts in Short-Term Carcinogen Testing

• Published in: Environmental health perspectives Vol. 50; pp. 355 - 357
• Main Authors: Milman, Harry A., Hurley, Pamela M., Auletta, Angela
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. National Institutes of Health. Department of Health, Education and Welfare 01-04-1983
• Subjects: Bioassay; Biological Assay; Cancer; Carcinogenicity; Carcinogens; Chemical hazards; Environmental agencies; International Symposium on Tumor Promotion. October 12-15, 1981; Literature; Mutagenicity Tests; Research Design; Screening tests; Time Factors; Tumor markers; Tumors; United States; United States Environmental Protection Agency; United States
• ISSN: 0091-6765; 1552-9924
• DOI: 10.1289/ehp.8350355

Scientists in the Health and Environmental Review Division (HERD), Office of Toxic Substances of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, are examining the feasibility of expanding efforts in short-term carcinogen testing. Three areas for consideration have been defined. These are (1) short-term in vitro tests; (2) short-term in vivo tests; and (3) tumor markers. HERD's current efforts in short-term in vitro testing are exemplified by the Gene-Tox program. Through a comprehensive system of committees and reviews, the published literature on eukaryotic and prokaryotic in vitro and in vivo test systems are being examined and analyzed. The suitability of utilizing the various systems in a test battery to identify potential chemical mutagens and carcinogens will be ascertained. A review of the literature on short-term in vivo tests (limited bioassays) and tumor markers is currently being conducted. Correlations will be made between results obtained from these tests and epidemiological information and long-term animal bioassays. The attributes and deficiencies of each test or marker will be examined. Further testing, development, or validation needs will be outlined. The aim of this review is to attempt to expand the prechronic test battery for carcinogenicity in order to provide sufficient information for regulatory decision-making.