Comments on article "Applying mode-of-action and pharmacokinetic considerations in contemporary cancer risk assessments: an example with trichloroethylene" by Clewell and Andersen.

Abstract

In their 2004 article, Clewell and Andersen provide their perspective on the application of mode-of-action (MOA) and pharmacokinetic considerations in contemporary cancer risk assessment using trichloroethylene (TCE) as a case example. TCE is a complex chemical toxicologically, with multiple metabolites, multiple sites of observed toxicity, and multiple potential MOAs. As scientists who are responsible for revising the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's draft risk assessment of TCE, we welcome input of the quality to which the Agency is held accountable. However, in our view, Clewell and Andersen do not present a sufficiently current, complete, accurate, and transparent review of the pertinent scientific literature. In particular, their article would need to incorporate substantial recently published scientific information, better support its conclusions about MOA and choice of linear or nonlinear dose-response extrapolation, and increase its transparency as to quantitative analyses in order to make a significant contribution to the scientific discussion of TCE health risks.

• Authors: Jane C Caldwell, Marina V Evans, Allan H Marcus, Cheryl Siegel Scott, Weihsueh A Chiu, Miles S Okino, Peter W Preuss
• Journal: Critical reviews in toxicology (Crit Rev Toxicol) Vol. 36 Issue 3 Pg. 291-4; discussion 295-8 (Mar 2006) ISSN: 1040-8444 [Print] England
• PMID: 16686425 (Publication Type: Comment, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Environmental Pollutants
• Trichloroethylene

Topics

• Animals
• Carcinogenicity Tests
• Environmental Pollutants (pharmacokinetics, toxicity)
• Guidelines as Topic
• Humans
• Models, Biological
• Risk Assessment
• Trichloroethylene (pharmacokinetics, toxicity)
• United States
• United States Environmental Protection Agency