Radioisotope-decay model of carcinogenesis: multistep process in the formation of original single tumor cells induced by 3-methylcholanthrene in mice
Tanooka, H.; Arimoto, H.
Gan 75(2): 126-129
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0016-450X PMID: 6735029 Document Number: 222810
The times of origin of fibrosarcomas induced with 3-methylcholanthrene in mice were analyzed mathematically. Histograms of the rates of formation of original single tumor cells plotted against the time after carcinogen treatment fitted a two-step exponential decay function. This model was named a radioisotope-decay model by analogy with the multistep decay of radioisotopes. The half-lives of the initial and intermediate transient states were determined for three tumor groups, and were found to be 23-29 days for both states. The present study indicates the involvement of at least two steps in the establishment of tumors, even with a complete carcinogen.