ETIOLOGY PROGRAM AREA

SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES

The year April 1, 1988, to March 31, 1989, is the fifth year of the third 5-year program of the U.S.-Japan Cooperative Cancer Research Program. The objective of the Etiology Program Area is to clarify the causes of human cancers and to determine the mechanisms of carcinogenesis. It has been envisaged that cancer prevention may be achieved eventually through progress in the science of cancer etiology.
Four seminars were held during this period, all in the United States. The first seminar, “Molecular Mechanism of Viral Carcinogenes,” dealt with the mechanisms of viral-associated carcinogenesis and the importance of collaborative investigations between the scientists of the two countries in most effectively exploiting these new leads. The second seminar, “Multiple Primary Cancer,” focused on both etiological agents that cause cancers at multiple sites and genetic factors that predispose individuals to these carcinogens. Discussion during the third seminar, “Fundamental and Clinical Aspects of Pancreatic Cancer,” focused on consideration of pancreatic carcinogenesis and its modulation by chemical and hormonal factors, a transgenic mouse model of acinar cell cancer, tumor markers, and various therapeutic approaches to the treatment of pancreatic cancer. The fourth seminar, “Marine Natural Products and Cancer,” focused on a discussion of tumor promoters, antipromoters, and potential new anticancer and anti-AIDS drugs derived from marine sources.
Four scientists from Japan participated in the exchange programs in etiology research, which has as its mission to provide a fundamental basis for understanding cancer causation that, in turn would help in identifying effective means for preventing or modulating this process. During this reporting period, the following compounds were shipped from the United States to Japan: 10 mg of 3-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene and 10 mg of cyclopenta(cd)pyrene.