Toxicology research needs

The remainder of this book will focus on each of the above areas. Many of these areas have been the target of research teams and have already shown potential payoffs. In 1983, Nelson (8) Identified five toxicology research needs namely 1) Improve the basis for dose and interspecies extrapolation to humans 2) predict effects... 

Toxicology informs us about cancer on two accounts. First, toxicology research provided insight into the causes of cancer and likelihood of developing cancer. Second, many of the treatments for cancer have serious toxicological side effects. Cancer treatment must often balance the need to kill the cancerous cells while limiting the damage to the normal cells of the body. 

A tiered system for mixture extrapolation is proposed. The lowest tier is based on extrapolation using toxicological point-estimate information such as EC50 values. This translates into the use of toxic units, toxic equivalencies, and similar techniques. The use of the entire concentration-response relationships of the separate compounds is recommended for Tier-2, in conjunction with the use of either concentration or response addition as a modeling approach. In Tier-3, a mixed-model approach can be considered, to more specifically address considerations on toxic modes of action. In the latter case, the approach may be extended to allow incorporation of the responses of different ecological receptors (Tier-4). Research needs have been clearly identified in community-level mixture assessments. 

Crane M. 1997. Research needs for predictive multispecies tests in aquatic toxicology. Hydrobiologia 346 149-155. 

Considering these developments, the HMA could be employed more frequently. However, in practice, the HMA continues to be used infrequently in genetic toxicology and is applied primarily for specialized research needs. In addition, the need for the HMA has been supplanted in recent years by the use of metabolically competent cell lines and new in vivo mutation detection systems such as the transgenic Big Blue or Mutamouse systems, which in some ways may be viewed as more technologically advanced forms of the HMA. 

The National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR), a component of the Jefferson Laboratories of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is located in Jefferson, Arkansas. Its mission is to conduct innovative peer-reviewed scientific research focused on FDA regulatory needs. Research findings provide the basis for FDA to make sound science-based risk management decisions that promote the health of the American people. 

In conclusion, analytical chemistry is an underlying factor in essentially all aspects of toxicological work. It is evident from these examples that the sophistication of the analytical methods available for use can to a large extent determine the complexity of the toxicological problem that can be approached and solved. The best analytical approach is designed to meet the specific needs and emphasis of the toxicological research and is consistent with good analytical practices. 

Clayton JW. Toxicology of the fluoroalkenes Review and research needs. Environ Health Perspect. 1977 21 255-267. 

Manufactured nanomaterials must be evaluated for potential threats to the environment and human health to ensure safe implementation of nanotechnology. Due to the size-dependent properties of nanomaterials, the standard approaches for toxicology studies need to be assessed for nanomaterial-based products. Correlations between physicochemical properties of nanomaterials with environmental impacts and biological responses can only be accomplished through collaboration of investigators in a variety of scientific disciplines. This necessitates an interdisciplinary approach involving a research team to understand the environmental, health, and safety impacts of nanomaterials. 

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