Carcinogenicity studies are primarily conducted for what purpose?

Carcinogenicity studies are specifically designed to assess whether a substance has the potential to cause cancer in living organisms. The primary goal is to identify any tumor-causing potential of a drug or chemical, informing regulatory agencies and healthcare providers about the safety of the compound in relation to cancer risk. These studies help establish the safety profile of a drug before it is approved for public use, ensuring that it does not pose significant carcinogenic risks to patients.

Therapeutic efficacy pertains to a drug's ability to produce a beneficial effect in treating a specific condition, which is not the focus of carcinogenicity studies. Similarly, the examination of drug interactions looks at how different substances may affect each other’s actions or side effects, rather than assessing cancer risk. Lastly, pharmacokinetics deals with the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs in the body, which is also a different area of study that does not concern the potential for cancer development.