The role of carcinogenic agents in the deveolopment of human cancers is
now being defined using a variety of human cells as experi- mental model
systems. A workshop on "neoplastic transformation in human cell systems
in vitro: mechanisms of carcinogenesis" was held at the Georgetown
University Medical Center, Washington, DC, on April 25-26, 1991. The
aims of the workshop were to present the state-of-the- art in the
transformation of human cells in culture, as well as to provide insight
into the molecular and cellular changes involved in the conver- sion of
normal cells to a neoplastic state of growth. The following topics were
closely related to the theme of the workshops: 1. Derivation of in vitro
model systems (epithelial, fibroblastic, and hematopoietic). 2. Factors
modulating cellular transformation. 3. Usefulness of defined in vitro
model systems for viral, chemical, and radiation carcinogenesis. 4.
Multistep nature of human cell carcinogenesis. 5. Role of activated and
suppressor oncogenes in neoplastic trans- formation. The workshop was
organized by J. S. Rhim and A. Dritschilo (cochairmen), G. Jay, J.
little, M. McCormick, R Tennant, and R R Weischelbaum. There were 32
speakers, 30 poster presentations, and about 190 participants.