Toward an integrated approach to molecular epidemiology.

The emergence of "molecular epidemiology" as a scientific approach within the fields of epidemiology and toxicology has led to spirited discussion within the biomedical community, particularly in the area of cancer research. At scientific meetings and in peer-reviewed journals, numerous issues have been raised not only with regard to the practice of molecular epidemiology, but also with regard to its role in traditional epidemiology, toxicology, and risk assessment. Furthermore, the utility of information gleaned from such studies and the implications for public health have been the subject of considerable debate. Conceptual differences in how one views the function of epidemiologic and laboratory research may be reflected in discussions on the merits of molecular epidemiology. This commentary reviews some of the prevailing attitudes toward molecular epidemiology, with the goal of identifying areas of concern and suggesting means of achieving harmonization. The need for cross-training of epidemiologists and laboratory scientists is discussed, and suggestions are made for building successful collaborative relations across disciplines.