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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Richard McNallyORCiD
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The aetiology of most childhood solid tumours (other than central nervous system [CNS] tumours) is unclear. To investigate whether certain environmental exposures may be involved, we have analysed for space-time clustering using population-based data from North West England for the period 1954–98. Knox tests for space-time interactions between cases were applied with fixed thresholds of close in space, <5 km, and close in time, <1 year apart. Addresses at birth and at diagnosis were used. Tests were repeated replacing geographical distance with distance to the Nth nearest neighbour. N was chosen such that the mean distance was 5 km. Data were also examined by a second order procedure based on K-functions. There was significant evidence of space-time clustering for Wilms' tumours (p = 0.03 and 0.04, using the geographical distance and nearest neighbour versions of the Knox test; and p = 0.07 and 0.03, using the geographical distance and nearest neighbour versions of the K-function method), and soft tissue sarcomas (p = 0.01, using both the geographical distance and nearest neighbour versions of the Knox test; and p = 0.001 and 0.002, using the geographical distance and nearest neighbour versions of the K-function method) based on time and location at birth, but not time and location at diagnosis. There was little or no evidence of space-time clustering amongst other diagnostic groups. These are the first results to demonstrate space-time clustering for childhood Wilms' tumours and soft tissue sarcomas. The results are consistent with environmental exposure hypotheses, relating to locations pre-natally or peri-natally.
Author(s): McNally RJQ; Kelsey AM; Eden OB; Alexander FE; Cairns DP; Birch JM
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: International Journal of Cancer
Year: 2003
Volume: 103
Issue: 2
Pages: 253-258
ISSN (print): 0020-7136
ISSN (electronic): 1097-0215
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ijc.10812
DOI: 10.1002/ijc.10812
PubMed id: 12455041
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