SciPinion Expert Panel Counters IARC

Findings:

An expert panel reviewed the cancer weight of evidence (WOE) and mode of action (MOA) information for three lower acrylates (methyl, ethyl, and 2-ethylhexyl), and concluded that:

1. The MOA for point of contact tumors observed in rodent cancer bioassays that is best supported by available data involves increased cell replication by cytotoxicity and regenerative proliferation (Fig.1)
2. The WOE supports a cancer classification of “Not likely to be carcinogenic to humans” a conclusion that is more in line with an IARC classification of Group 3, and are in sharp contrast to IARC’s recent conclusion of Group 2B for these chemicals. (Fig.2)

“Understanding the mode of action (MOA) for chemicals causing cancer or any other serious effect (e.g., repro/developmental effects, etc) is crucial for better understanding; 1) how the dose-response relation should inform risks to human exposed to low and environmentally relevant exposures, and 2) inform the human relevance of these effects. All too often, mode of action is ignored or minimized and science review panels focus too much on what is theoretically possible.

SciPinion eliminates the negative influences associated with face-to-face panels, thereby eliminating some of the sources of influence that lead to poor decisions. We encourage IARC and other organizations undertake an approach that minimizes bias and maximizes scientific objectivity to better inform the mode of action for effects observed in animals exposed to chemicals. Hopefully this will lead to better decisions and better insights for the public.”

-Sean Hays
President, SciPinion LLC