Sarcoma-producing cell lines derived from clones transformed in vitro by benzo[a]pyrene.

Cells derived from mixed Syrian hamster embryo cultures were treated with pyrene (control) or with benzo[a]pyrene. Transformed clones were obtained only with the carcinogen. Some of the transformed clones were responsible for cell lines that produced tumors when injected into hamsters. These observations provide evidence that chemical-induced oncogenesis can be studied by an in vitro model.