Relevance of animal carcinogenesis findings to human cancer predictions and prevention

Maronpot, RR; Flake, G; Huff, J

HERO ID

196228

Reference Type

Journal Article

Subtype

Review

Year

2004

Language

English

PMID

15209402

HERO ID 196228
Material Type Review
In Press No
Year 2004
Title Relevance of animal carcinogenesis findings to human cancer predictions and prevention
Authors Maronpot, RR; Flake, G; Huff, J
Journal Toxicologic Pathology
Volume 32
Issue Suppl 1
Page Numbers 40-48
Abstract Use of laboratory animals to identify carcinogenic potential of chemicals, mixtures, and other agents has a modern history of greater than 40 years from which much useful scientific and public health information can be derived. While laboratory animals differ from humans in some respects that may affect responses to hazardous exposures, use of such models is based on experimental evidence indicating that there are more genetic, genomic, physiological, biochemical, and metabolic similarities than differences among mammalian species. Issues of concordance of responses between rodent species and between rodents and humans as well as repeatability and site-specificity are important considerations in evaluating laboratory animal carcinogenicity results. Variables in experimental design such as animal strain, diet, route of exposure, and study duration as well as single-site versus multisite carcinogenic responses all influence interpretation and intelligent use of study data. Similarities and differences in site-specific laboratory animal and corresponding human cancers should also be considered in study evaluation. Recent attempts to explore genetically engineered mice and to humanize the mouse for more relevant identification of carcinogen hazard identification have yielded mixed results. In the end we are confronted by the realization that virtually all animal cancer models are useful but imperfect surrogates for humans. Assuming the percentage of chemicals currently in commerce that are estimated to be potent animal or human carcinogens is quite low, the task of identifying agents with significant carcinogenic potential is daunting and important. The biological conundrum of scientific debate regarding the relevance of carcinogenicity studies in laboratory animals is likely to continue. Nonetheless public health considerations must take precedence when deciding human safety issues.
Doi 10.1080/01926230490425003
Pmid 15209402
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Cancer bioassays; carcinogenesis; species differences; comparative pathology; hepatocarcinogenesis; genetically engineered mice; cancer prediction
Is Qa No