For definition of Groups, see Preamble Evaluation.
Supplement 7: (1987) (p. 348)
CAS No.:
Chem. Abstr. Name: Benzenesulfonamide, 4-amino-N-(5-methyl-3-isoxazolyl)-
A. Evidence for carcinogenicity to humans (inadequate)
Although no increase in the incidence of cancer at all sites combined was noted during 1969-1976 among 1709 members of a prepaid health plan prescribed sulfamethoxazole during 1969-1973, significant increases in the incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (3 observed, 0.1 expected; relative risk, 30.0 [95% confidence interval, 23.7-36.3]) and of cancer of the cervix after a two-year lag period (7 observed, 2.2 expected; relative risk, 3.2 [1.8-4.5]) were observed. However, a significant deficit of colon cancer was also seen (none observed, 4.7 expected) [ref: 1].
B. Evidence for carcinogenicity to animals (limited)
Sulfamethoxazole produced thyroid tumours in rats following its oral administration; no information on other tumour types was reported [ref: 2].
C. Other relevant data
In a single study, sulfamethoxazole did not induce chromosomal aberrations in human lymphocytes in vivo or in vitro. It was not mutagenic to bacteria [ref: 3].
Overall evaluation
Sulfamethoxazole is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans (Group 3).
For definition of the italicized terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
Subsequent evaluation: Vol. 79 (2001)
Also see previous evaluation: Vol. 24 (1980)
References
1. Friedman, G.D. & Ury, H.K. (1980) Initial screening for carcinogenicity of commonly used drugs. J. natl Cancer Inst., 65, 723-733
2. IARC Monographs, 24, 285-295, 1980
3. IARC Monographs, Suppl. 6, 502-503, 1987
Synonyms
See Also:
Toxicological Abbreviations
Sulfamethoxazole (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 24, 1980)
Sulfamethoxazole (IARC Summary & Evaluation, Volume 79, 2001)