International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - Summaries & Evaluations
OESTRONE
VOL.: 6 (1974) (p. 123)
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
(N.B.: This section should be read in conjunction with the section
'General Conclusions on Hormones'.)
5.1 Animal carcinogenicity data
Oestrone was tested orally in mice; by subcutaneous injection and by
implantation in mice, rats and hamsters; and by skin-painting in mice.
Its administration resulted in an increased incidence of mammary
tumours in mice; in pituitary, adrenal and mammary tumours and
bladder tumours in association with stones in rats; and in renal
tumours in both castrated and intact male hamsters.
Oestrone treatment increased the incidence of mammary tumours in
strains of mice having a spontaneous incidence of the tumours which
may be related to the presence of a virus. No evidence of a possible
role of a virus has been demonstrated in rats.
5.2 Human carcinogenicity data
No case reports or epidemiological studies were available to the
Working Group. Epidemiological studies on steroid hormones used in
oestrogen treatment have been summarized in the section, "Oestrogens
and Progestins in Relation to Human Cancer", in this volume.
Subsequent evaluations: Vol. 21 (1979);
Suppl. 7 (1987)
Last updated: 18 March 1998