Pulmonary tumour induction by transplacental exposure to urethan

Larsen CD

1947

USA

It was discovered that injection of ethyl carcamate (urethan), an anaesthetic agent, into pregnant mice resulted later on in an increased incidence of pulmonary adenoma.

We mention this study because it was published as early as 1947. It is probably the first study suggesting that the chain of events leading to certain forms of cancer can start in fetal life.