International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - Summaries & Evaluations
N-NITROSO-N-METHYLUREA
VOL.: 17 (1978) (p. 227)
CAS No.: 684-93-5
Chem. Abstr. Name: N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Experimental data
N-Nitroso-N-methylurea is carcinogenic in all animal species tested:
mice, rats, Syrian golden, Chinese and European hamsters, guinea-pigs,
rabbits, gerbils, pigs, dogs and monkeys. It induces benign and
malignant tumours following its administration by different routes,
including ingestion. It produces tumours at different sites, including
the nervous tissue, stomach, oesophagus, pancreas, respiratory tract,
intestine, lymphoreticular tissues, skin and kidney. It is
carcinogenic following its administration prenatally and in single
doses.
5.2 Human data
No case reports or epidemiological studies were available to the
Working Group. Except for reported investigation of its use as a
chemotherapeutic agent, no information on the occurrence or use of
N-nitroso-N-methylurea was available.
5.3 Evaluation
There is sufficient evidence of a carcinogenic effect of
N-nitroso-N-methylurea in several experimental animal species.
Although no epidemiological data were available,
N-nitroso-N-methylurea should be regarded for practical purposes as if
it were carcinogenic to humans.
Previous evaluation: Vol 1 (1972)
Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 66: Group 2A)
For definition of terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
Synonyms
- Methyl nitrosourea
- 1-Methyl-1-nitrosourea
- MNU
- N-Nitroso-N-methylcarbamide
- Nitrosomethylurea
- NMH
- NMU
- NSC 23909
Last updated: 27 March 1998