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High Content Screening Analysis to Evaluate the Toxicological Effects of Harmful and Potentially Harmful Constituents (HPHC)
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Carcinogenic properties of pharmaceutical agents evaluated in the IARC Monographs programme

M Marselos1, H Vainio

  • 1International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France.

Carcinogenesis
|October 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

International Agency for the Research on Cancer evaluated nearly 200 drugs for cancer risk. Over 70 drugs are carcinogenic, with bone marrow and liver being common targets, necessitating careful risk-benefit analysis for clinical use.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Toxicology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Pharmaceuticals are unique environmental carcinogens due to controlled human exposure to pure substances.
  • The International Agency for the Research on Cancer (IARC) has evaluated nearly 200 pharmaceutical chemicals and drug classes for carcinogenic potential.
  • Understanding drug-induced carcinogenicity is crucial for patient safety and therapeutic decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the findings of the International Agency for the Research on Cancer's evaluations of pharmaceutical carcinogenicity.
  • To identify specific drugs and drug classes with carcinogenic properties.
  • To highlight common human tissues affected by pharmaceutical carcinogens.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and evaluation of carcinogenic properties of pharmaceutical chemicals and drug groups by IARC working groups.
  • Analysis of both epidemiological and experimental study data to assess carcinogenicity.
  • Comparison of target organs in humans and animals for evidence of carcinogenicity.

Main Results:

  • Out of nearly 200 evaluated pharmaceuticals, 20 are classified as conclusively carcinogenic to humans.
  • An additional 52 pharmaceuticals are classified as probably or possibly carcinogenic to humans.
  • Commonly affected human tissues include bone marrow, skin, urinary bladder, liver, lymphatic tissue, and endometrium.
  • High concordance (85%) in target organs between humans and animals when sufficient evidence exists for carcinogenicity.

Conclusions:

  • A significant number of pharmaceutical agents possess carcinogenic potential, necessitating careful consideration.
  • Risk-benefit assessments are essential for the clinical application of pharmaceuticals with known or suspected carcinogenic properties.
  • Continued evaluation and data on drug carcinogenicity are vital for public health and medical practice.

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