International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) - Summaries & Evaluations
N-NITROSO-N-ETHYLUREA
VOL.: 17 (1978) (p. 191)
CAS No.: 759-73-9
Chem. Abstr. Name: N-Ethyl-N-nitrosourea
5. Summary of Data Reported and Evaluation
5.1 Experimental data
N-Nitroso-N-ethylurea is carcinogenic in all animal species tested:
mice, rats, Syrian golden hamsters, rabbits, opossums, pigs and
monkeys. It produces benign and malignant tumours following its
administration by different routes including single oral doses; the
main target organ appears to vary with the route of administration.
Prenatal exposure to the substance has been shown to be particularly
effective in producing tumours of the nervous system. In several
studies, dose-response relationships were established.
5.2 Human data
No case reports or epidemiological studies were available to the
Working Group. No information on the occurrence or use of
N-nitroso-N-ethylurea was available.
5.3 Evaluation
There is sufficient evidence of a carcinogenic effect of
N-nitroso-N-ethylurea in several experimental animal species. Although
no epidemiological data or information on occurrence were available,
N-nitroso-N-ethylurea should be regarded for practical purposes as if
it were carcinogenic to humans.
Previous evaluation: Vol 1 (1972)
Subsequent evaluation: Suppl. 7 (1987) (p. 63: Group 2A)
For definition of terms, see Preamble Evaluation.
Synonyms
- ANH
- ENU
- 1-Ethyl-1-nitrosourea
- NCS 45403
- NEU
- Nitrosoethylurea
Last updated: 27 March 1998