Evaluation of the carcinogenic risks to humans associated with surgical implants and other foreign bodies

- a report of an IARC Monographs Programme Meeting.

McGregor DB, Baan RA, Partensky C, Rice JM, Wilbourn JD

International Agency for Research on Cancer, 150, cours Albert Thomas, 69372, Lyon, France

A meeting was held within the International Resources Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans of surgical implants and other foreign bodies. This meeting report summarises the types of materials considered, their wear and degradation, their cancer epidemiology in both humans and other animals, the published experimental carcinogenicity data and selected data on their toxic, including genotoxic, effects. Evaluations resulting in a classification of Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) were reached for:

1. polymeric implants prepared as thin smooth films [with the exception of poly(glycolic acid)];
2. metallic implants prepared as thin smooth films; and
3. implanted foreign bodies consisting of metallic cobalt, metallic nickel and a particular alloy powder consisting of 66-67% nickel, 13-16% chromium and 7% iron.

Group 3 classifications (not classifiable as to their carcinogenicity to humans) were made for:

(1) organic polymeric materials as a group;

(2) orthopaedic implants of complex composition and cardiac pacemakers;

(3) silicone breast implants;

(4) dental materials; and

(5) ceramic implants.

PMID: 10708931

Revised: April 3, 2000.