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Carcinogenicity

Meaning

Carcinogenicity is the scientific property of a substance or agent to induce cancer formation, the process by which normal cells are transformed into malignant ones. In clinical endocrinology, this term is highly relevant when evaluating the long-term safety profile of hormone therapies, selective receptor modulators, and other endocrine-disrupting compounds. Rigorous toxicological studies are mandatory during drug development to assess a compound’s carcinogenic potential before it can be safely introduced into clinical practice. This assessment informs clinical risk-benefit analyses for patients on chronic hormonal regimens.