The power and interpretation of the carcinogenicity bioassay

Carcinogenicity is a major consideration in the assessment of risks due to environmental chemicals. The carcinogen bioassay therefore is a very important component of the battery of toxicological tests used in hazard evaluation. The strengths and limitations of this bioassay are discussed with emphasis upon the unresolved practical considerations, the interpretation of negative results, the significance of tumors induced in the presence of a high background incidence of naturally occurring tumors, and the difficulties in transspecies extrapolation. These factors, in combination with consideration of the biological mechanisms of chemical cancer induction, will be valuable in assessing the potential risk to man posed by individual chemicals.