Risk of multiple myeloma in a case–spouse study

Abstract

This study examined lifestyle, occupation, medical history and medication use with multiple myeloma risk in a case–spouse study (481 patients, 351 spouses). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using logistic regression. Compared to spouse controls, cases were more likely to have a family history of multiple myeloma (OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.2–6.4) and smoked cigarettes (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.2–2.5), but less likely to have consumed alcohol (OR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.4–0.9). Nurse/health practitioners (OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.3–6.2) and production workers (OR = 3.7, 95% CI = 1.0–13.7) had significantly increased risks; and some occupations linked to diesel exhaust had elevated, but non-significant, risks. History of herpes simplex (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.2–2.4), shingles (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.1–2.7), sexually transmitted diseases (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.0–3.7) and medication allergies (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.2–2.4) were associated with higher risks. Use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, anti-convulsants, antidepressants, statins and diuretics were associated with reduced risks. The results are consistent with previous population-based studies and support the utility of patient databanks and spouse controls as a resource in epidemiologic research.

Keywords:

• Myeloma
• epidemiology
• case–spouse

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the International Myeloma Foundation’s Bank On A Cure^® and the Intramural Research Program of the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health.

Potential conflict of interest

Disclosure forms provided by the authors are available with the full text of this article at http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/10428194.2015.1094693.