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U.S. Department of Energy
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Radiation carcinogenesis. Comprehensive final report, 16 May 1979-31 December 1980

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6495703· OSTI ID:6495703

This abstract covers three main areas of investigation: mesothelioma induction by asbestos, radiation tumorigenesis and transplantable tumors. Canadian and Rhodesian asbestos fibers have been administered under anesthesia to rats by intratracheal, intrapleural and intraperitoneal injection. Additional groups were given 3-methylcholanthrene or x-radiation along with asbestos. A large series of mice also treated as above have displayed mesotheliomas. In addition, glass fiber injections and feeding of asbestos were done and have produced negative results to date. The carcinogenic effect of whole-body radiation on hemi-irradiated parabiont partners exposed to a single 1000 R dose of x-ray was evidenced by a significant increase in the incidence of malignant tumors in only six tissues: skin, supporting soft tissue, kidney, bone, pancreatic islets and ovary. In the male adrenal medulla and in the female breast genetic and parabiotic hormonal factors were judged to exert a significant effect. The occurrence of incisional (anastomotic) sarcomas in significant numbers in hemi-irradiated and parabiont control pairs suggests the operation of mechanical factors complicating the healing process, only slightly enhanced by radiation. One of the very valuable but unanticipated developments of the rat radiation program was the isolation of two transplantable endocrine tumors with strong hormonal potentials: an insulinoma of the pancreas and a pheochromocytoma of the adrenal medulla.

Research Organization:
New England Deaconess Hospital, Boston, MA (USA). Cancer Research Inst.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AS02-76EV03017
OSTI ID:
6495703
Report Number(s):
DOE/EV/03017-43
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English