[Strategy and interpretation of short-term tests]

The important role of mutation events in oncogenes activity has intensified the interest of short-term tests in the detection of the carcinogenic potential of chemical substances. It should also be stated that mutations seem to occur not only in the initiation phase of cancerous processes, but also in the subsequent steps of promotion and progression. If the methods presently at our disposal permit to evaluate satisfactorily the carcinogenic properties of new products, an effort should be made in the development of faster and more reliable tests, as well as in the detection of carriers of genetic deficiencies which may sensitize or modify the response to chemical agents.