Theoretical considerations for thresholds in chemical carcinogenesis

Adam D Thomas1, Jörg Fahrer1, George E Johnson2

  • 1Institute of Toxicology, University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany.

Summary

Low doses of genotoxic carcinogens may not increase cancer risk due to biological defense mechanisms. These protective pathways, including DNA repair and immune surveillance, create thresholds for tumor formation, suggesting tolerance to low-level exposures.

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