Infections are a major cause of childhood cancer, study suggestsDecember 13, 2005Results from a new study of childhood cancer statistics provide further evidence that common infections affecting mother and baby could play a key role in triggering certain types of the disease. The research was led by Dr Richard McNally from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and funded by Cancer Research UK and the Christie Hospital Research Endowment Fund. The team* analysed a register of cancer cases diagnosed in young children over a period of 45 years. They found that a pattern emerged where two types of cancer-leukaemia and brain tumours-repeatedly occurred at similar times and geographical locations. This 'space-time clustering' of cases is a pattern typical of diseases caused by infection, adding weight to the theory that outbreaks of infectious viruses are a potential contributory cause of cancer. Diseases caused by more constant environmental factors produce clusters of cases in one place over a much longer time period. However, the researchers stress that people cannot 'catch cancer' as the infection is only likely to lead to cancer in a very small number of individuals who are already genetically susceptible to the disease. Dr McNally, who works in Newcastle University's School of Clinical Medical Sciences (Child Health) said: "We found that place of birth was particularly significant, which suggests that an infection in the mother while she is carrying her baby, or in a child's early years, could be a trigger factor for the cancer. These could be minor, common illnesses that are not even reported to the GP, such as a cold, mild flu or a respiratory virus. "However, this would only lead to cancer in individuals who already carry mutant cells in their body. The virus would hit this mutant cell and cause a second mutation, prompting the onset of cancers like leukaemia or brain tumours." The findings, published in the European Journal of Cancer, may lead to better preventative measures for cancer and could result in better treatment. Statistics for the research were taken from the Manchester Children's Tumour Register, which recorded cases of all childhood cancers in 0-14 year-olds diagnosed between January 1954 and December 1998. It covers the areas of Southern Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, North West Derbyshire and North Cheshire. The researchers carried out a sophisticated form of statistical analysis for the study, which is the first of its kind. They sought to establish where there was a pattern of certain types of cancers in relation to the time and place of childrens' birth and the time and place of where children were living when diagnosed. Most significant were the clusters of leukaemia and central nervous system tumours found around time and place of birth. In these clusters, there were eight per cent more cases of these cancers than could be explained by chance. Moreover, clusters of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and the brain tumour astrocytoma were also found around time and place of birth-here there were 13 per cent more cases than expected. There are theories that suggest environmental influences, such as viral infections, are part of the cause of cancer, in addition to genetic susceptibility. This research provides further evidence that this may be the case. Dr McNally, who also works in Newcastle University's School of Population and Health Sciences, and who carried out the work while working at The University of Manchester with Manchester Children's University Hospitals NHS Trust, added: "Our research is important but it only provides another piece in the jigsaw. We don't yet know enough to be able to advise people on preventative measures. Still, it is important to stress that cases of cancer remain rare in children." Professor John Toy, Cancer Research UK's medical director, said: "These findings provide more clues to a link between viruses and some types of childhood cancer, but we need more evidence before we can be sure. Reassuringly for mums, children who are introduced to day care or who are more socially active during their first year of life have been found to be at lower risk of childhood leukaemia. This may be because their immune systems have been strengthened by being exposed to a wide variety of infections at an early age.\\\ University of Newcastle upon Tyne |
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| Related Childhood Cancer Current Events and Childhood Cancer News Articles Childhood cancer survivors less likely to marry, Yale researchers find Adult survivors of childhood cancer are 20 to 25 percent more likely to never marry compared with siblings and the general population, Yale School of Medicine researchers report in a new study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. Brain tumors in childhood leave a lasting mark on cognition, life status Brain tumors in childhood cast a long shadow on survivors. The first study of the lasting impact of these tumors -- the most common solid malignancies in childhood -- shows that survivors have ongoing cognitive problems. Childhood cancer survivors experience suicidal thoughts decades after diagnosis Adult survivors of childhood cancer have an increased risk for suicidal thoughts, even decades after their cancer treatments ended, according to a study led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists. Survivors of childhood cancer less likely to marry Childhood cancer survivors typically suffer from the long-term effects of cancer treatment on physical health, and results of a new study suggest that social implications also exist, which may affect their chance of an "I do" at the altar. New treatment more than doubles survival for high risk childhood leukemia Results of a phase two clinical trial published October 5th in the Journal of Clinical Oncology show that adding continuous daily doses of a targeted drug called imatinib mesylate to regular chemotherapy more than doubled three-year survival rates for children with a high risk type of blood cancer called Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL). Studies find few risks to newborn offspring of parents who are childhood cancer survivors Whether they can have children is one of the major concerns for adult survivors of childhood and adolescent cancer because fertility can be compromised by cancer treatment. Scientists link genetic glitches to common childhood cancer A multicenter team of childhood cancer researchers has discovered two genetic variations linked to an increased risk for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or ALL, the most common childhood cancer in the United States. Inherited risk factors increase odds of developing childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified inherited variations in two genes that account for 37 percent of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), including a gene that may help predict drug response. Cancer Mortality Rates Experience Steady Decline The number of cancer deaths has declined steadily in the last three decades. Although younger people have experienced the steepest declines, all age groups have shown some improvement, according to a recent report in Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research. Cancer mortality rates experience steady decline The number of cancer deaths has declined steadily in the last three decades. Although younger people have experienced the steepest declines, all age groups have shown some improvement. More Childhood Cancer Current Events and Childhood Cancer News Articles |
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