The expanding role of predictive toxicology: An update on the (Q) SAR models for mutagens and carcinogens

This article reflects the views of the authors as individual scientists and does not necessarily represent a position of the European Commission. Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission is responsible for the use that might be made of the presented information. This manuscript also does not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the US EPA, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. Europe, increase the reliance on estimation methods for predicting potential chemical hazard. To meet the increased expectations, the availability of valid (Q)SARs becomes a critical issue, especially for endpoints that have complex mechanisms of action, are time- and cost-consuming, and require a large number of animals to test. Here, findings from the survey on (Q)SARs for mutagenicity and carcinogenicity, initiated by the European Chemicals Bureau (ECB) and carried out by the Istituto Superiore di Sanita' are summarized, key aspects are discussed, and a broader view towards future needs and perspectives is given.