IARC activities in mycotoxin research

The creation of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in May 1965 occurred only two years after publication of the chemical structure of the aflatoxins, and the investigation of a possible link between exposure to these compounds and liver cancer incidence was initiated by IARC as early as 1968. Thus, mycotoxins were one of the first topics of research at IARC and the Agency's special interest in cancer in developing countries has contributed to a sustained effort in this research field. The work performed comprises a number of aspects including laboratory research into mechanisms of action and methods for destruction of mycotoxins, epidemiological studies, and through evaluation of the carcinogenic potency of these toxins in the "IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risks to Humans." A particular feature has been the integration into epidemiological studies of biomarkers of mycotoxin exposure (e.g., to aflatoxin, ochratoxin A) developed in the IARC laboratories. The above research areas are described briefly below and future activities are discussed in relation to present knowledge and the possibilities of achieving primary prevention of cancer. Another field of activity in which IARC has been strongly involved is that of quality assurance with the organisation of the mycotoxin check sample programme [Friesen, 1989: J Toxicol-Toxin Reviews 8:363-373]. This activity will, however, not be discussed in this article in view of space limitations.