A recently published article by ToxStrategies scientists, with Dr. Daniele Wikoff as lead author, presents the systematic identification, appraisal, and integration of mechanistic data in an assessment of potential carcinogenicity of the non-nutritive sweetener aspartame. Based on the evaluation of over 1300 measurements/assay endpoints related to one or more key characteristics of carcinogens (KCC) reported in the literature and via high-throughput screening data, the authors found a lack of evidence for activity across the mechanistic database. These results align with the overall lack of tumor response to aspartame in rodent cancer bioassays, corroborating previous reports of a lack of carcinogenicity related to aspartame exposure. The open access article can be found here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278691519306568
Author Archives: ricknelson
21CT authors publish systematic framework for mechanistic data
A new article from authors in the Center of Excellence for 21st Century Toxicology describes a framework to systematically and quantitatively integrate mechanistic data in assessments of potential carcinogenicity. The framework builds on the key characteristics organizational approach that is being implemented by authoritative bodies globally, by accounting for the quality and relevance of individual studies when developing weight-of-evidence conclusions regarding the activity of key characteristics. The proposed framework provides a flexible solution to quantitively integrate all available data in a systematic and transparent manner that accords greater weight to data that are best suited to the assessment of potential human carcinogenicity. The paper by Dr. Daniele Wikoff and colleagues has been accepted for publication in Toxicological Sciences and is on the 21CT website.