Mortality and cancer incidence in males with Y polysomy in Britain: a cohort study

The mortality and cancer incidence risks among males with Y polysomy are unknown because there have been no large long-term cohort studies carried out of such men. We conducted a cohort study of 667 men diagnosed with the abnormality in Britain since 1959 to compare their mortality and cancer incidence rates with those of the general population. Sixty deaths occurred during follow-up to December 2005, twice the number expected from general population rates (standardised mortality ratio (SMR) = 2.0 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5–2.6)). Significantly raised mortality was observed for diseases of the nervous system (SMR = 7.0, 95% CI: 2.3–16.4), circulatory system (SMR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3–3.2), respiratory system (SMR = 4.0, 95% CI: 1.8–7.5), genitourinary system (SMR = 10.2, 95% CI: 1.2–36.9), and congenital anomalies (SMR = 11.9, 95% CI: 3.2–30.5). Four of the five nervous system deaths were from epilepsy, the risk of death from this condition being more than 20-fold raised. The rates of cancer incidence and mortality among these men was not significantly different from those in the general population. This study provides evidence that mortality rates from several specific causes are raised among men with Y polysomy. The use of these data in genetic counselling should be cautious particularly for cases of Y polysomy that are detected prenatally. Further investigations are required to confirm these findings and to elucidate the possible role of genes on the Y chromosome in the aetiology of these causes of death.     

Mortality and cancer incidence in women with extra X chromosomes: a cohort study in Britain

About one woman in 1,000 has an extra X chromosome, but such women have no recognised characteristic somatic features and little is known about their long-term health and cancer risks. We conducted a cohort study of mortality and cancer incidence in 542 women diagnosed with X polysomy at 25 cytogenetic centres in Britain since 1959. Fifty-nine deaths occurred during follow-up to mid-2004. Mortality was significantly raised (standardised mortality ratio (SMR) = 2.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.9–3.2)), with excess deaths due particularly to cardiovascular disease (SMR = 2.5 (95% CI 1.5–3.8)) and respiratory disease (SMR = 4.0 (95% CI 1.7–7.9)). Risks of cancer incidence and cancer mortality overall were not raised, but there was significantly raised mortality from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) (SMR = 10.4 (95% CI 1.3–37.6); based on 2 cases). The data indicate that mortality in women diagnosed with X polysomy is considerably raised. The raised risk of NHL is seen also in males with more than one X chromosome, and hence although unexpected and based on small numbers, it might indicate the action of a gene on the X chromosome, possibly in the pseudoautosomal region, that escapes X-inactivation.On behalf of the UK clinical cytogenetics group     

Exposure and mortality in a cohort of German nuclear power workers

A historical cohort study of German nuclear power workers was set up to investigate the overall and cancer mortality risk related to a long-term low-level exposure to ionising radiation. The cohort was part of an international collaborative study whose pooled analyses were carried out at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon, and published recently. Due to delays in data collection, data from the German cohort were not included in these analyses. This cohort includes 4,844 employees who worked in any of 10 nuclear power plants, between 1 January 1991 and 31 December 1997. Sixty-eight deaths among men were observed in 31,000 person years, and none among women. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were computed for all causes of death, all cancers, cardiovascular diseases, external causes, and all other causes. Overall, a strong healthy worker effect was observed (all-cause SMR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.42–0.67), and no increase in total cancer mortality was seen (SMR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.43–0.95). These results are in line with and complement IARC results. Figures are yet too small for stable risk estimates and further work is therefore under way to include more power plants, and to extend the follow-up until the year 2005.     

Radiation exposure and cancer incidence in a cohort of nuclear power industry workers in the Republic of Korea, 1992–2005

This study examines for the first time cancer incidence between radiation and non-radiation workers in nuclear power facilities in the Republic of Korea. Radiation workers were defined as persons who were issued with a dosimeter at nuclear power facilities, until 2005. All analyses were conducted on male workers only (in total 16,236 individuals) because of the sparseness of females. Statistical analyses were carried out using the standardized incidence ratio (SIR), to compare the cancer risks of radiation and non-radiation workers with those of the general population, and the χ² trend test was used to investigate any increase in cancer rates with dose. Poisson regression was also used to estimate the rate ratio (RR) and the excess relative risk (ERR) after considering the confounding effect due to smoking. During 1992–2005, 99 cancer cases in 63,503 person-years were observed among 8,429 radiation workers, while 104 cancer cases were observed in 48,301 person-years among 7,807 non-radiation workers. When compared with the site- and age-specific cancer rates for the male population of Korea, the SIR for all cancers combined was 1.07 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87–1.30] for radiation workers, and 0.88 (95% CI 0.72–1.06) for non-radiation workers, respectively. The RR for radiation workers compared with non-radiation workers was 1.18 (95% CI 0.89–1.58) for all cancers combined. The SIRs for thyroid cancer were noticeably high for both radiation and non-radiation workers, possibly due to the screening effect, but analysis of the RR showed that there was no statistically significant difference in thyroid cancer incidence rates between the two groups. For lung cancer, radiation workers showed a higher incidence rate as compared to non-radiation workers, with the RR being 3.48 (95% CI 1.19–11.48). A χ² trend test showed that there was no evidence for an increase in cancer rate with increasing cumulative dose for all cancers combined (p = 0.5108). The ERR per Sievert was estimated to be 1.69 (95% CI −2.07 to 8.21) for all cancers combined assuming a 10 years lag time. Consequently, a significant excess of cancer incidence among radiation workers in the nuclear power industry in Korea was not observed. Further follow-up and an expansion of the cohort are needed to overcome the lack of statistical power in the study.     

Studies of radon-exposed miner cohorts using a biologically based model: comparison of current Czech and French data with historic data from China and Colorado

Cosmic radiation is an occupational risk factor for commercial aircrews. In this large European cohort study (ESCAPE) its association with cancer mortality was investigated on the basis of individual effective dose estimates for 19,184 male pilots. Mean annual doses were in the range of 2–5 mSv and cumulative lifetime doses did not exceed 80 mSv. All-cause and all-cancer mortality was low for all exposure categories. A significant negative risk trend for all-cause mortality was seen with increasing dose. Neither external and internal comparisons nor nested case-control analyses showed any substantially increased risks for cancer mortality due to ionizing radiation. However, the number of deaths for specific types of cancer was low and the confidence intervals of the risk estimates were rather wide. Difficulties in interpreting mortality risk estimates for time-dependent exposures are discussed.Abbreviations CI confidence interval - CLL chronic lymphatic leukemia - RRC radiation-related cancers - NRRC non-radiation-related cancers - RR relative risk - SMR standardized mortality ratio     

Cancer incidence and mortality in populations living near uranium milling and mining operations in grants, New Mexico, 1950-2004

In a previous cohort study of workers engaged in uranium milling and mining activities near Grants, Cibola County, New Mexico, we found lung cancer mortality to be significantly increased among underground miners. Uranium mining took place from early in the 1950s to 1990, and the Grants Uranium Mill operated from 1958-1990. The present study evaluates cancer mortality during 1950-2004 and cancer incidence during 1982-2004 among county residents. Standardized mortality (SMR) and incidence (SIR) ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed, with observed numbers of cancer deaths and cases compared to expected values based on New Mexico cancer rates. The total numbers of cancer deaths and incident cancers were close to that expected (SMR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.07; SIR 0.97, 95% CI 0.92-1.02). Lung cancer mortality and incidence were significantly increased among men (SMR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-1.21; SIR 1.40, 95% CI 1.18-1.64) but not women (SMR 0.97, 95% CI 0.85-1.10; SIR 1.01, 95% CI 0.78-1.29). Similarly, among the population of the three census tracts near the Grants Uranium Mill, lung cancer mortality was significantly elevated among men (SMR 1.57; 95% CI 1.21-1.99) but not women (SMR 1.12; 95% CI 0.75-1.61). Except for an elevation in mortality for stomach cancer among women (SMR 1.30; 95% CI 1.03-1.63), which declined over the 55-year observation period, no significant increases in SMRs or SIRs for 22 other cancers were found. Although etiological inferences cannot be drawn from these ecological data, the excesses of lung cancer among men seem likely to be due to previously reported risks among underground miners from exposure to radon gas and its decay products. Smoking, socioeconomic factors or ethnicity may also have contributed to the lung cancer excesses observed in our study. The stomach cancer increase was highest before the uranium mill began operation and then decreased to normal levels. With the exception of male lung cancer, this study provides no clear or consistent evidence that the operation of uranium mills and mines adversely affected cancer incidence or mortality of county residents.     

Latent period in induction of radiogenic solid tumors in the cohort of emergency workers

The paper presents estimates for the latent period of the induction of radiogenic solid cancers among Chernobyl emergency workers (males) living in six central regions of Russia. The analysis is based on medical and dosimetry data gathered by the National Radiation and Epidemiological Registry over the time period from 1986 to 2005. The cohort includes 59,770 persons who stayed in the exposure zone (30-km zone around the Chernobyl nuclear power plant) in 1986–1987. There were 2,718 cases of solid tumors identified during the follow-up time in this cohort. The mean radiation dose in the cohort is 0.13 Gy. The radiation risk and latent period were estimated using the method of maximum likelihood. The excess relative risk per unit dose was found to be 0.96 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.3–1.7) and the minimum latent period for induction of solid tumors is 4.0 years (95% CI: 3.3–4.9).     

Differences in baseline lung cancer mortality between the German uranium miners cohort and the population of the former German Democratic Republic (1960–2003)

A previous analysis of the radon-related lung cancer mortality risk, in the German uranium miners cohort, using Poisson modeling techniques, noted internal (spontaneous) rates that were higher on average than the external rates by 16.5% (95% CI: 9%; 24%). The main purpose of the present paper is to investigate the nature of, and possible reasons for, this difference by comparing patterns in spontaneous lung cancer mortality rates in a cohort of male miners involved in uranium extraction at the former Wismut mining company in East Germany with national male rates from the former German Democratic Republic. The analysis is based on miner data for 3,001 lung cancer deaths, 1.76 million person-years for the period 1960–2003, and national rates covering the same calendar-year range. Simple “age–period–cohort” graphical analyses were applied to assess the main qualitative differences between the national and cohort baseline lung cancer rates. Some differences were found to occur mainly at higher attained ages above 70 years. Although many occupational risk factors may have contributed to these observed age differences, only the effects of smoking have been assessed here by applying the Peto–Lopez indirect method for calculating smoking attributability. It is inferred that the observed age differences could be due to the greater prevalence of smoking and more mature smoking epidemic in the Wismut cohort compared to the general population of the former German Democratic Republic. In view of these observed differences between external population-based rates and internal (spontaneous) cohort baseline lung cancer rates, it is strongly recommended to apply only the internal rates in future analyses of uranium miner cohorts.     

Cancer risk and all-cause mortality among Norwegian military United Nations peacekeepers deployed to Kosovo between 1999 and 2011

ObjectiveMedia reports of leukaemia and other cancers among European United Nations (UN) peacekeepers who served in the Balkans, and a scientific finding of excess Hodgkin lymphoma among Italian UN peacekeepers who served in Bosnia, suggested a link between cancer incidence and depleted uranium (DU) exposure. This spurred several studies on cancer risk among UN peacekeepers who served in the Balkans. Although these studies turned out to be negative, the debate about possible cancers and other health risks caused by DU exposure continues. The aim of the present study was to investigate cancer incidence and all-cause mortality in a cohort of 6076 (4.4% women) Norwegian military UN peacekeepers deployed to Kosovo between 1999 and 2011.MethodsThe cohort was followed for cancer incidence and mortality from 1999 to 2011. Standardised incidence ratios for cancer (SIR) and mortality ratios (SMR) were calculated from national rates.ResultsSixty-nine cancer cases and 38 deaths were observed during follow-up. Cancer incidence in the cohort was similar to that in the general Norwegian population. No cancers in the overall cohort significantly exceeded incidence rates in the general Norwegian population, but there was an elevated SIR for melanoma of skin in men of 1.90 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.95–3.40). A fivefold increased incidence of bladder cancer was observed among men who served in Kosovo for ≥1 year, based on 2 excess cases (SIR = 5.27; 95% CI 1.09–15.4). All-cause mortality was half the expected rate (SMR = 0.49; 95% CI 0.35–0.67).ConclusionOur study did not support the suggestion that UN peacekeeping service in Kosovo is associated with increased cancer risk.     

Association between ATM polymorphisms and cancer risk: a meta-analysis

To date, epidemiological studies have assessed the association between Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene polymorphisms and cancer risk, including lung cancer, breast cancer, glioma and pancreatic cancer. However, the results of these studies remain controversial. We aimed to examine the associations between two SNPs (rs664143 and rs664677) and cancer risk by conducting a meta-analysis of case–control studies. A total of 12 publications were included in this meta-analysis, 8 for rs664143 and 7 for rs664677. Overall, rs664143 heterozygote carriers turned out to be associated with cancer risk (OR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.02–1.36). In the subgroup analysis by cancer type, we observed that the ATM rs664143 polymorphism was significantly associated with lung cancer risk (GA vs. GG: OR = 1.48, 95% CI 1.18–1.85, AA vs. GG: OR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.18–1.93) and rs664677 polymorphism was associated with decreased lung cancr risk and increased breast cancer risk (for lung cancer: TC vs. TT: OR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.62–0.92, CC vs. TT: OR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.64–0.99 and for breast cancer: TC vs. TT: OR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.17–1.73, CC vs. TT: OR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.21–1.87). In the subgroup analysis by region, we also observed that individuals with ATM rs664143 GA or AA genotype had an obvious increased cancer risk among Asian people (GA vs. GG: OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.20–1.63, AA vs. GG: OR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.16–1.62). In conclusion, ATM rs664143 polymorphism was associated with cancer susceptibility. ATM rs664143 polymorphism was significantly associated with lung cancer risk. ATM rs664677 polymorphism was associated with decreased lung cancer risk as well as increased breast cancer risk.     

Mortality Due to Malignant and Non-Malignant Diseases in Korean Professional Emergency Responders

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to estimate the cause-specific mortality in male emergency responders (ER), compare with that of Korean men. Mortality was also compared between more experienced firefighters (i.e., firefighters employed ≥20 years and firefighters employed ≥10 to <20 years) and less experienced firefighters and non-firefighters (i.e., firefighters employed <10 years and non-firefighters) to investigate associations between mortality and exposure to occupational hazards.MethodsThe cohort was comprised of 33,442 males who were employed as ERs between 1980 and 2007 and not deceased as of 1991. Work history was merged with the death registry from the National Statistical Office of Korea to follow-up on mortality between 1992 and 2007. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) for ERs were calculated in reference to the Korean male population. Adjusted relative risks (ARRs) of mortalities for firefighters employed ≥20 years and ≥10 years to <20 years were calculated in reference to non-firefighters and firefighters employed < 10 years.ResultsOverall (SMR=0.43, 95%CI=0.39–0.47) and some kinds of cause-specific mortalities were significantly lower among ERs compared with the Korean male population. No significant increase in mortality was observed across the major ICD-10 classifications among ERs. Mortality due to exposure to smoke, fire, and flames (SMR=3.11, 95% CI=1.87–4.85), however, was significantly increased among ERs. All-cause mortality (ARR=1.46, 95% CI=1.13–1.89), overall cancer mortality (ARR=1.54, 95% CI=1.02–2.31) and mortality of external injury, poisoning and external causes (ARR=3.13, 95% CI=1.80–5.46) were significantly increased among firefighters employed ≥20 years compared to those of non-firefighters and firefighters employed < 10 years.ConclusionsAn increase in mortality due to all cancer and external injury, poisoning, and external causes in firefighters employed ≥20 years compared with non-firefighters and firefighters employed <10 years suggests occupational exposure.     

Mortality from cardiovascular diseases in the German uranium miners cohort study, 1946–1998

An increased risk of cardiovascular diseases after exposure to low doses of ionizing radiation has been suggested among the atomic bomb survivors. Few and inconclusive results on this issue are available from miner studies. A positive correlation between coronary heart disease mortality and radon exposure has been reported in the Newfoundland fluorspar miners study, yet low statistical power due to small sample size was of concern. To get further insight into this controversial issue, data from the German uranium miners cohort study were used, which is by far the largest miner study up to date. The cohort includes 59,001 male subjects who were employed for at least six months between 1946 and 1989 at the former Wismut uranium company in Eastern Germany. Exposure to radon, long-lived radionuclides and external gamma radiation was estimated by using a detailed job-exposure matrix. About 16,598 cohort members were deceased until 31 December 1998, including 5,417 deaths from cardiovascular diseases. Linear Poisson regression models were used to estimate the excess relative risk (ERR) per unit of cumulative radiation exposure after adjusting for attained age and calendar period. No trend in risk of circulatory diseases with increasing cumulative exposure to either radon [ERR per 100 working level month: 0.0006; 95% confidence limit (CI): −0.004 to 0.006], external gamma radiation (ERR per Sv: −0.26, 95% CI: −0.6 to 0.05) or long-lived radionuclides (ERR per 100 kBqh/m³: −0.2, 95% CI: −0.5 to 0.06), respectively, was observed. This was also true for the sub-group heart disease and stroke. Our findings do not support an association between cardiovascular disease mortality and exposure to radiation among miners, yet low doses and uncontrolled confounding hamper interpretation.     

Mortality of plastic-ware workers exposed to radiofrequencies

The mortality experience of a cohort of Italian plastic-ware workers exposed to radiofrequency (RF)-electromagnetic fields generated by dielectric heat sealers was investigated. Follow-up extended from 1962 to 1992. The standardised mortality ratio (SMR) analysis was restricted to 481 women workers, representing 78% of the total person-years at risk. Mortality from malignant neoplasms was slightly elevated, and increased risks of leukemia and accidents were detected. The all-cancer SMR was higher among women employed in the sealing department, where exposure to RF occurred, than in the whole cohort. This study raises interest in a possible association between exposure to RF radiation and cancer risk. However, the study power was very small, and the possible confounding effects of exposure to solvents and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) could not be ruled out. The hypothesis of an increased risk of cancer after radiofrequency exposure should be further explored by means of analytical studies characterised by adequate power and more accurate exposure assessment. Bioelectromagnetics 18:418–421, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Leukemia incidence among people exposed to chronic radiation from the contaminated Techa River, 1953–2005

Beginning in 1950, people living on the banks of the Techa River received chronic low-dose-rate internal and external radiation exposures as a result of releases from the Mayak nuclear weapons plutonium production facility in the Southern Urals region of the Russian Federation. The Techa River cohort includes about 30,000 people who resided in riverside villages sometime between 1950 and 1960. Cumulative red bone marrow doses range up to 2 Gy with a mean of 0.3 Gy and a median of 0.2 Gy. Between 1953 and 2005, 93 first primary cases of leukemia, including 23 cases of chronic lymphatic leukemia (CLL), were ascertained among the cohort members. A significant linear dose–response relationship was seen for leukemias other than CLL (P < 0.001), but not for CLL. The estimated excess relative risk per Gy is 4.9 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6; 14.3) for leukemias other than CLL and less than 0 (95% upper bound 1.4) for CLL.     

Effect of LEPR Gln223Arg polymorphism on breast cancer risk in different ethnic populations: a meta-analysis

Leptin and leptin receptor have been implicated in processes leading to breast cancer initiation and progression. An A to G transition mutation in codon 223, in exon 6 of the leptin receptor gene (LEPR) can result in glutamine to arginine substitution (Gln223Arg). A variety of case–control studies have been published evaluating the association between LEPR Gln223Arg polymorphism and breast cancer. However, published studies have yielded contradictory conclusions. This meta-analysis enrolled eight studies to estimate the overall risk of LEPR Gln223Arg polymorphism associated with breast cancer. The pooled ORs were performed for codominant model (Arg/Arg versus Gln/Gln; Arg/Gln versus Gln/Gln), dominant model (Arg/Arg + Arg/Gln versus Gln/Gln), recessive model (Arg/Arg versus Arg/Gln + Gln/Gln). Overall significantly elevated breast cancer risk was found for recessive model (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.03–1.69) and for genotype Arg/Gln versus Gln/Gln (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.01–1.34). In the stratified analysis by ethnicity, significantly increased risks were also found among Africans for genotype Arg/Arg versus Gln/Gln: OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.28–2.71, Arg/Gln versus Gln/Gln: OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.10–1.99, dominant model: OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.21–2.11 and recessive model: OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.07–2.05; for Asians, Arg/Arg versus Gln/Gln: OR 6.79, 95% CI 3.42–13.47 and dominant model: OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.42–2.90. However, no significantly increased risk was found among Europeans for all genetic models. In conclusion, the LEPR 223Arg is a low-penetrant risk for developing breast cancer, especially for black African women.     

Lack of association between <Emphasis Type="Italic">MDR1</Emphasis> C3435T polymorphism and chemotherapy response in advanced breast cancer patients: evidence from current studies

The transmembrane transport of anticancer drugs is mainly regulated by P-glycoprotein encoded by the human multidrug resistance gene 1 gene (MDR1). Since there were controversies regarding the association between MDR1 C3435T polymorphism and response to chemotherapy among patients with advanced breast cancer, a meta-analysis of the link was conducted. A total of 7 studies consist of 464 advanced breast cancer patients relating MDR1 C3435T polymorphism to the response of chemotherapy were included in this meta-analysis. The main analysis revealed a lack of association between the MDR1 C3435T and response to chemotherapy, with odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of 1.37 (95% CI: 0.78–2.40), 1.17 (95% CI: 0.69–2.01), 1.18 (95% CI: 0.76–1.84) and 1.61 (95% CI: 0.70–3.68) for homozygous comparison, heterozygous comparison, dominant model and recessive model, respectively. The subgroup analysis by ethnicity did not change the pattern of results, with ORs of 0.99 (95% CI: 0.11–9.07), 0.68 (95% CI: 0.29–1.60), 0.81 (95% CI: 0.36–1.85) and 1.51 (95% CI: 0.77–2.96), in homozygous comparison, heterozygous comparison, dominant model and recessive model, respectively in Caucasian, and 1.50 (95% CI: 0.75–3.03), 1.72 (95% CI: 0.85–3.47), 1.59 (95% CI: 0.90–2.80) and 2.29 (95% CI: 0.51–10.35), respectively in Asian. The available evidence indicates that MDR1 C3435T polymorphism cannot be considered as a reliable predictor of response to chemotherapy in patients with advanced breast cancer.     

Mortality risk in a historical cohort of nuclear power plant workers in Germany: results from a second follow-up

Possible health effects of low and protracted doses of ionizing radiation are relevant for persons who are exposed to an occupational context like nuclear industry workers. A historical cohort study was therefore conducted to examine mortality risks following occupational radiation exposure among 4,844 German nuclear power plant workers. This cohort included workers from ten nuclear power plants with an observational period from 1991 until 1997. The results of an enlarged cohort with 8,972 workers from all 17 nuclear power plants in West Germany are now available. During the extended follow-up period from 1991 to 2008, a total of 310 deaths among men were observed. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) from all causes of deaths was estimated at 0.50 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.45–0.56]. A total of 126 deaths due to cancer occurred (SMR = 0.65; 95 % CI 0.51–0.82) and seven deaths due to leukemia (SMR = 1.23; 95 % CI 0.42–2.84). Overall, a reduced mortality compared to the general population of West Germany was observed indicating a healthy worker effect. In the dose–response analysis, no statistically significant risk due to ionizing radiation was seen. The hazard ratio (HR/mSv) for leukemia excluding chronic lymphocytic leukemia was estimated at 1.004 (95 % CI 0.997–1.011). In conclusion, the cohort is small and made up of young workers, most of whom were still employed at the end of the observational period in 2008. Results of the external analysis are difficult to interpret as influenced by a healthy worker effect. In the internal analysis, no excess of risk due to radiation was detected.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">TP53</Emphasis> codon 72 polymorphism and colorectal cancer susceptibility: a meta-analysis

Colorectal cancer constitutes a significant proportion of the global burden of cancer morbidity and mortality. A number of studies have been conducted to explore whether TP53 codon 72 polymorphism is associated with colorectal cancer susceptibility. However, controversial results were obtained. In order to derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, we systematically searched Medline, Google scholar, and Ovid database for studies reported before May 2010. A total of 3603 colorectal cancer cases and 5524 controls were included. TP53 codon 72 polymorphism was not associated with colorectal cancer risk in all genetic models (for dominant model: OR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.86–1.15; for recessive model: OR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.81–1.23; for Arg/Pro vs. Arg/Arg: OR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.87–1.15; for Pro/Pro vs. Arg/Arg: OR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.76–1.25). In the subgroup analyses by ethnic groups and sources of controls, no significant associations were found in all models. Taken together, this meta-analysis suggested that the biologically usefulness of TP53 codon 72 polymorphism as a selection marker in colorectal cancer susceptibility may be very limited.     

Association of p53 codon 72 polymorphism with prostate cancer: a meta-analysis

Relationship of prostate cancer with the polymorphism of p53 codon 72 was reported with inconsistent results. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the association between p53 codon 72 polymorphism and prostate cancer susceptibility. We performed an extensive search of relevant studies and made a meta-analysis, including 8 studies with 815 prostate cancer cases and 1047 controls. The combined results showed that there were no significant differences in genotype distribution between prostate cancer cases and control on the basis of all studies, CC/GC versus GG (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 0.93–1.65), GG/GC versus CC (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.60–1.55), GC versus GG (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 0.91–1.77), CC versus GG (OR = 1.25, 95% CI:0.74–2.12), GC versus CC (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.63–1.87). When stratifying for the race, there were also no statistically significant differences in genotype distribution between prostate cancer cases and controls. This meta-analysis did not provide an evidence of confirming association between p53 codon 72 polymorphism and prostate cancer.     

Significantly Increased Risk of Cancer in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ObjectiveTo conduct a review and meta-analysis of the effect of diabetes mellitus on the incidence of and mortality attributable to cancer at any anatomic site.MethodsWe performed a search of MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library for pertinent articles published from the origin of these databases to July 5, 2010, and included them in a qualitative review and meta-analysis of the risk of all-cancer incidence and mortality in patients with diabetes.ResultsAmong patients with diabetes (n = 257,222) in 12 cohort studies, the cancer incidence was about 7%. The cancer mortality was approximately 3% among patients with diabetes (n = 152,091) in 19 cohort studies. The pooled adjusted risk ratio (RR) of all-cancer incidence was significantly elevated—RR, 1.10 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04 to 1.17) overall; RR, 1.14 (CI, 1.06 to 23) for men; and RR, 1.18 (CI, 1.08 to 1.28) for women. Diabetes was also associated with an increased RR of mortality across all cancer types—RR, 1.16 (CI, 1.03 to 1.30) overall; RR, 1.10 (CI, 0.98 to 1.23) for men; and RR, 1.24 (CI, 1.11 to 1.40) for women.ConclusionCancer prevention and early detection by appropriate screening methods in patients with diabetes should be important components of clinical management and investigation, inasmuch as the exponentially increasing prevalence of diabetes will translate into substantial clinical and public health consequences on a global scale. (Endocr Pract. 2011;17:616-628)