Genetic Toxicology Research in Developing Countries: Challenges and Possibilities—Egypt as an Example

Abstract

Egypt, as many other developing countries, has several environmental exposure problems. There are exposures to chemical genotoxicants and to lifestyle factors that have been linked to increased risk for cancer. Infections can be associated with cancer development when the environmental factors interact with the infection and lead to the enhancement of the carcinogenic process. Currently, there is a growing interest to genetic toxicology research, the use of different biomarkers and genetic susceptibility testing, which can contribute effectively to risk assessment. Developing countries need to cooperate with developed countries to protect human health from disease determined or influenced by factors in the environment. The national and international research policies should highlight the need to mobilize resources for human resource development, networking, improving research culture, information sharing and pragmatic use of research findings. Exchanging of experience and training is the most vital issues in developing new cadres of people with skills in health research, information and communication, who are needed to address the challenges facing the development of genetic toxicology research and prevention programs. Organizing international meetings and training courses may enforce this field of research and help to develop cooperative research projects which deal with different exposure conditions.