Human Exposure to Selected Animal Neurocarcinogens: A Biomarker-Based Assessment and Implications for Brain Tumor Epidemiology

Abstract

This review is based on the proceedings from the Second Lebow Conference, held in Chicago in 2007. The conference concentrated on developing a framework for innovative studies in the epidemiology of environmental exposures, focusing specifically on the potential relationship with brain tumors. Researchers with different perspectives, including toxicology, pharmacokinetics, and epidemiological exposure assessment, exchanged information and ideas on the use of biomarkers of exposure in molecular epidemiology studies and summarized the current knowledge on methods and approaches for biomarker-based exposure assessment. This report presents the state of science regarding biomarker-based exposure assessment of the four most common neurocarcinogens: acrylamide, 1,3-butadiene, N-nitroso compounds, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Importantly, these chemicals are also carcinogenic in other organs; therefore, this discussion is useful for environmental epidemiologists studying all cancer types.

The authors are grateful for the generosity of the LeBow family for sponsoring this conference and for the invaluable administrative support of Naomi Berkowitz, Executive Director of the American Brain Tumor Association. We also thank the other speakers and moderators, Dr. Francis Ali-Osman, Dr. Paul Kleihues, Dr. Beatrice Malmer, and Dr. Hiroko Ohgaki, for their important contribution. This review was funded by NINDS grant 5P50 NS20023-25, NIH SPORE grant 5P50 CA108786-4, and NIH Merit Award R37 CA011898-38.