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Mutagenesis vol. 13 no. 6 pp. 539-555, 1998
© 1998 UK Environmental Mutagen Society/Oxford University Press

review-article

Comet assay responses as indicators of carcinogen exposure

Diana Anderson1,3, Tian-Wei Yu1 and Douglas B. McGregor2

1BIBRA International Woodmansteme Road, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 4DS UK 2International Agency for Research on Cancer 150 Cours Albert Thomas, F-69372 Lyon Cedex 08, France

Over 200 agents/factors have been examined in the single cell gel electrophoresis assay, more commonly known as the Comet assay, performed either in vitro or in vivo in a variety of species. Unequivocal carcinogenicity data are available for 119 of them, amongst which unequivocal Comet assay data exist for 95 agents. Of these 95 agents the prevalence of carcinogens was 88% (84/95). The carcinogens that were Comet positive (sensitivity) formed 88% (74/84), the non-carcinogens that were Comet negative (specificity) formed 64% (7/11). This simple analysis of the Comet assay has not taken account of the difference between in vitro and in vivo responses, species differences or organ and tissue differences. Also, limitations as to the conduct of the assay have not been examined in any depth. Thus, at the present time the Comet assay has high sensitivity for carcinogens, but its specificity is uncertain because few non-carcinogens have been tested.

3To whom correspondence should be addressed at: BIBRA International, Woodmansteme Road, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 4DS, UK. Tel: +0181 625 1000; Fax: +0181 661 7029; Email: danderson{at}bibra.co.uk


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