Ionizing radiation is perhaps the most clearly understood of all carcinogens. However, tumors known to be radiosensitive also have other possible causal or modifying factors. DCEG conducts research into the general etiology of a number of specific radiation-related cancers, including brain, thyroid and hematopoietic malignancies. Other than ionizing radiation, the causes of these cancers are not well understood, which can hamper the radiation research. Therefore, research on other exposures and genetic factors informs and complements our studies of the effects of radiation on these cancers. Conversely, DCEG’s epidemiological studies of ionizing or non-ionizing radiation and certain radiogenic cancer outcomes also serve as important resources for the study of non-radiation risk factors for these same diseases.
These studies carried out by the Radiation Epidemiology Branch (REB) include:
Genetic Susceptibility and Brain Tumors
DCEG is engaged in an investigation of genetic polymorphisms that may modify effects of exogenous and endogenous carcinogens in brain tumor development. In addition, researchers have completed a large, international cohort-based genome-wide association study (GWAS) of glioma. The findings were reported in Human Genetics (PubMed abstract).
Immune Function and Glioma
A study of to assess potential relationship between glioma and allergy/atopy and diabetes in 4.5 million male U.S. veterans.
Record-linkage Study of Glioma
This study takes a record-linkage approach to investigating anthropomorphic measures, such as height and body mass index, as they relate to risk for glioma.
Study of Cellular Telephones and Brain Tumors
A summary of DCEG’s research into possible effects of non-ionizing radiation exposure from mobile telephone use.
International Pooled Analysis of Risk Factors for Thyroid Cancer
A study of anthropometric and lifestyle factors and thyroid cancer risk
Record-linkage Study of Thyroid Cancer Risk
A registry-linkage study in Denmark of childhood height and weight as it relates to thyroid cancer risk
U.S. Radiologic Technologists Cohort
USRT includes studies on occupational and personal medical exposure to radiation and thyroid cancer, non-radiation factors and thyroid cancer, and genetic polymorphisms and gene-by-environment interactions and papillary thyroid cancer
NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study
DCEG investigators can explore risk factors for thyroid cancer through this large prospective cohort. Studies are underway to investigate anthropometric factors, diet, reproductive and hormonal factors.
Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Study
DCEG investigators are using data from PLCO to investigate reproductive and hormonal factors and thyroid cancer risk.
Second Cancers Following Hodgkin Lymphoma
Studies of second cancers following Hodgkin lymphoma carried out by the Radiation Epidemiology Branch
Genome-wide Association Study of Non Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) from the Cancer Genetic Markers of Susceptibility (CGEMS) Project.
International Lymphoma Epidemiology Consortium (InterLymph)
InterLymph was designed to enhance collaboration among epidemiologists studying lymphoma, to provide a forum for the exchange of research ideas, and to create a framework for collaborating on analyses that pool data from multiple studies. Read a DCEG Linkage article on InterLymph.
Vitamin D Metabolites and Cancer
DCEG studies of vitamin D metabolites and cancer.
Childhood Leukemia Pooled Analyses
Studies using pooled data from large case-control studies of childhood leukemia conducted in four countries: Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Secondary Leukemia Among Benzene-exposed Workers in China
A binational, multidisciplinary study of benzene-exposed and unexposed workers from more than 700 factories in 12 cities in China.