International programme for the evaluation of short-term tests for carcinogenicity.

A brief report of the design and initial results from the International Programme for the Evaluation of Short-Term Tests for Carcinogenicity is presented. A total of 42 chemicals, including 14 structurally-related, carcinogen/non-carcinogen pairs were coded and submitted for testing in 35 assays. Several of the assays provided good predictions of carcinogenic potential. The results revealed the advantages and disadvantages of the assays used and provide some indication of the applicability of the tests to screening for carcinogenicity.