title: Chemical and viral agents in prenatal experimental carcinogenesis.
abstract: Malignant tumors are the second most common cause of death in children 0 to 15 years old. The typical organotropism of tumors in children is different than in adults aged 45-60 years. Due to the short induction periods, as well as the typical distribution of tumors, it is conceivable that various agents (chemicals, viruses) may induce carcinogenic effects during the prenatal life-span. It has been confirmed experimentally that certain chemicals, e.g., ethylnitrosourea, are potent prenatal carcinogens. Further, it is important to consider the especially high sensitivity of the fetus for chemical agents; this enhanced sensitivity is a major point of issue when discussing prenatal carcinogenesis. Results and conclusions obtained from prenatal carcinogenicity experiments should provide a basis for elucidating causes of cancer in children.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005038:Ethylnitrosourea; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000151:congenital*; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000151:congenital; D009423:Nervous System Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000151:congenital; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D005038:Ethylnitrosourea