Panel discussion on the application of alternative models to cancer risk assessment.

The International Life Sciences Institute Alternative Carcinogenicity Testing (ILSI ACT) Workshop concluded with a panel discussion that addressed the framework issue of the appropriate application of alternative models to human cancer risk assessment. This discussion encompassed both technical issues relating to the level of understanding of these models and their output as well as issues relating to the regulatory acceptance of these data. Although there were many different perspectives represented by the panelists, there was also significant consensus on many broad issues. This article focuses on several key areas of emphasis that were addressed by panelists and are considered critical issues for future discussions and evaluations.