In vitro phototoxicity testing: Development and validation of a new concentration response analysis software and biostatistical analyses related to the use of various prediction models

By Peters, B. - Holzhutter, H.G.

As demonstrated in several validation studies, the dermal phototoxic potential of chemicals in humans can be effectively assessed by in vitro methods. The core of these methods is to monitor dose-response curves of a chemical in the absence and presence of light, to quantify the difference between these two curves by appropriate measures (either the photo-irritancy factor [PIF], or the mean photo effect [MPE]), and to use these measures as predictors of in vivo phototoxicity. We present new concentration-response analysis software for in vitro phototoxicity testing, which runs on current personal computers, and takes into account all the limitations identified when using a former program. We also demonstrate the validity and robustness of this new software by applying it retrospectively to all data available from two phases of the EU/COLIPA validation trial for the 3T3 neutral red update in vitro phototoxicity test. Some frequently raised questions pertaining to the use of prediction models in phototoxicity testing are addressed, including: the necessity of using prediction models based on a cut-off; whether it is justifiable to use sharp prediction cut-off values; whether there is a biostatistical justification for the highest concentration of the test chemical; and whether repeated testing of a chemical is required.