Study on in vitro cell transformation assays for metal carcinogenesis
The European Commission's Joint Research Centre has issued a call for tenders relating to an in vitro study on the carcinogenic potential of metals and their mechanisms of toxicological action. The study, commissioned by the European Centre for Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM), should chart the development of in vitro cell transformation assays to discriminate genotoxic/carcinogenic and non-genotoxic/carcinogenic metal compounds. The study is of priority to ECVAM, who aim to promote the scientific and regulatory acceptance of alternative methods which are of importance to the biosciences, and which reduce, refine or replace the use of laboratory animals. Research is being carried out to develop human cell transformation assays and to assess their feasibility for the prediction of the carcinogenic potential of metals in comparison with rodent cell-transformation assays. For further information please contact: European Commission Joint Research Centre Mrs C. Dal Molin Institute for Health and Consumer Protection ECVAM - European Centre for Validation of Alternative Methods TP 580 I-21020 Ispra (VA) Tel. +39-0332-789236; Fax +39-0332-785336