Comment on the significance of positive carcinogenicity studies using gavage as the route of exposure

Journal Article · Wed Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1989 · Environmental Health Perspectives; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.8979315· OSTI ID:5712286

Perera, F; Brennan, T; Fouts, J R ^[1]

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1. Columbia Univ. School of Public Health, New York, NY (USA)

There is continuing controversy, extending into regulatory matters, over the significance to human health of positive results in carcinogenicity studies in animals using the gavage technique as the route of exposure. This review of a nonrandom sample of 117 chemicals or chemical processes listed as known or reasonably anticipated to be carcinogenic in the National Toxicology Program's Third Annual Report on Carcinogens provides support for the validity of the gavage route in such studies. Twenty-three chemicals among the 117 substances and processes listed were positive by gavage. Twenty of these 23 chemicals were also appropriately studied by at least one other route of exposure. Nineteen or (95%) of the twenty chemicals were positive for carcinogenicity by at least one other nongavage route in carcinogenicity bioassays. All of the 23 gavage-positive chemicals induced tumors distal to the site of administration in at least one study, as did all 15 chemicals which were also positive by subcutaneous injection. The authors emphasize, however, the limited scope of the survey. Despite this limitation, the review suggests that, although gavage may not be the general method of choice for chemical administration, the results of studies wherein this route was employed are meaningful as a basis for assessing potential carcinogenic hazards.

• OSTI ID: 5712286
• Journal Information: Environmental Health Perspectives; (USA), Vol. 79; ISSN 0091-6765
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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