The time to tumor approach in risk assessment.

Abstract

The multistage model is currently a widely used mathematical tool in carcinogen risk assessment to obtain a low-dose linear non-threshold slope for estimating cancer risks and comparing carcinogens with respect to potency. However, the multistage model is a single pathway model, whereas biological evidence indicates that carcinogenesis proceeds through multiple pathways. Furthermore, recent studies suggest that carcinogens induce a generalized increase in the susceptibility to neoplastic transformation triggered as rare events by cell proliferation. Such evidence supports the dtn = c time to tumor model in a modified form.