From exposure to effect: a comparison of modeling approaches to
chemical carcinogenesis
Leeuwen, I.M.M. van and Zonneveld, C. 2001. From exposure to effect:
a comparison of modeling approaches to chemical
carcinogenesis. Mutation Research, 489: 17 - 45.
Abstract
Standardized long-term carcinogenicity tests aim to reveal the
relationship between exposure to a chemical and occurrence of a
carcinogenic response. The analysis of such tests may be facilitated
by the use of mathematical models. To what extent current models
actually achieve this purpose is difficult to evaluate. Various
aspects of chemically induced carcinogenesis are treated by different
modeling approaches, which proceed very much in isolation of each
other. With this paper we aim to provide for the non-mathematician a
comprehensive and critical overview of models dealing with processes
involved in chemical carcinogenesis. We cover the entire process of
carcinogenesis, from exposure to effect. We succinctly summarize the
biology underlying the models and emphasize the relationship between
model assumptions and model formulations. The use of mathematics is
restricted as far as possible with some additional information
relegated to boxes.