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Research Recommendations for Selected IARC-Classified Agents
Citation:
DEMARINI, D. M. AND J. C. CALDWELL. Research Recommendations for Selected IARC-Classified Agents. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Research Triangle Park, NC, 118(10):1355-1362, (2010).
Impact/Purpose:
This extensive study assessed the literature on 20 rodent carcinogens for which there are insufficient data in humans to permit IARC to declare them to be Group 1 human carcinogens. This report describes the experiments needed to provide the necessary data to permit such a declaration to be made or not.
Description:
History of the NORA process and framework for the meeting. This is a concerted effort to identify means of reducing the insufficiency of available data for classifying particular agents in the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) system by identifying information needs and gaps and the research to address them for 20 selected agents generally, in IARC categories 2A, 2B, and 3. This project originated as part of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) to enhance occupational cancer research. The project ultimately involved collaboration with IARC, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), the American Cancer Society (ACS), and the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The planning group consisting of Kurt Straif and Vincent Cogliano (IARC), Paul Schulte, Tania Carreon-Valencia, Avima Ruder, Mary Schubauer-Berigan (NIOSH), Ruth Lunn (NiEHS), Nat Rothman (NCI), and Elizabeth Ward (ACS) selected 20 agents, reviewed in previous IARC monographs, on the basis of potential for workplace or environmental exposure, and importance or interest by a particular agency. The purpose was two-fold: (1) identify research needs to address the information needs and gaps for a more definitive classification, and (2) Create a report that will be of value to funding agencies in determining possible projects to support. The selected experts; generally two for each agent (one toxicologist and one epidemiologist), were chosen by either having participated in a monograph working group that addressed a candidate agent or who were knowledgeable about one or more agents were selected by the planning committee. For each agent, the experts used a systematic approach reviewing the monograph and the literature published since the monograph meeting for each agent to determine whether potential research gaps and needs still existed, and what research was needed to change the classification. In addition, experts were encouraged to identify research in progress that they were aware ofthat could possibly affect the gap analysis. For each agent, a common reporting template was used. All templates had the following categories: • Summary • Citation for most recent IARC review • Current evaluation • Exposure and biomonitoring • Cancer in humans • Cancer in experimental animals • Mechanisms of carcinogenicity • Research needs and recommendations • Selected relevant publications since IARC review / References The focus of the recommendations was not meant to be a compilation of all useful or interesting research but rather a focus on research that would be critical or important in resolving classification uncertainties.