Study of Lung Cancer in Appalachian Kentucky: The Role of Environmental Carcinogens
| Status: | Active, not recruiting |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Lung Cancer, Cancer |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Oncology |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - Any |
| Updated: | 7/19/2018 |
| Start Date: | September 2011 |
| End Date: | June 2020 |
A Population-based Case-control Study of Lung Cancer in Appalachian Kentucky: The Role of Environmental Carcinogens
This is a research study about the relationship between lung cancer and environmental risk
factors. The purpose of this study is to try to understand the effects of trace elements such
as arsenic and chromium, as well as radon on the development of lung cancer. To do this, the
investigators will collect information and environmental and biologic specimens from people
who live in Appalachian Kentucky who a) have lung cancer or b) don't have lung cancer and
will serve as control subjects. The investigators will create a specimen repository of from
these people and their residences to compare differences in many risks factors for cancer. By
doing this study, the investigators hope to learn why there are more lung cancers in
Kentucky's fifth Congressional District than anywhere else in the nation.
factors. The purpose of this study is to try to understand the effects of trace elements such
as arsenic and chromium, as well as radon on the development of lung cancer. To do this, the
investigators will collect information and environmental and biologic specimens from people
who live in Appalachian Kentucky who a) have lung cancer or b) don't have lung cancer and
will serve as control subjects. The investigators will create a specimen repository of from
these people and their residences to compare differences in many risks factors for cancer. By
doing this study, the investigators hope to learn why there are more lung cancers in
Kentucky's fifth Congressional District than anywhere else in the nation.
Appalachian Kentucky has one of the highest incidence rates of lung cancer in the United
States. The disproportionately high incidence is not explained by tobacco alone. Preliminary
analysis of trace element content in toenail samples reveals higher levels of arsenic,
chromium and nickel in Appalachian Kentucky residents than elsewhere in Kentucky. Trace
elements are known to promote carcinogenesis by increased oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA
damage, and reduced DNA repair efficiency. These findings justify further investigation of
the role that trace elements play in the development of lung cancer in this region.
Hypothesis: The unexpectedly high rate of lung cancer in Appalachian Kentucky is associated
with exposure to environmental carcinogens that increase oxidative stress and DNA damage.
Specific Aims Aim 1: Conduct a case-control study of lung cancer and matched controls in the
5th Congressional District of Kentucky to compare rates of moderate to high arsenic in lung
cancer cases and controls.
Aim 2: Create a specimen repository of biologic and environmental samples from these subjects
and their residences for analysis of DNA repair markers and, in the future, markers of
oxidative stress and inflammation.
Aim 3: Fund four pilot projects which will utilize collected data from Aim 1 to develop
investigators focused on lung cancer research in this study population and to generate
preliminary data that will lead to independent funding.
Study Design: This is a population-based, case-control study encompassing the 5th
Congressional District of Kentucky.
Relevance: This translational research and repository will fundamentally improve our
understanding of the causes of the disproportionately high incidence of lung cancer in
Appalachian Kentucky, foster collaboration among scientists dedicated to the study of lung
cancer and provide a permanent resource to be used for future research.
States. The disproportionately high incidence is not explained by tobacco alone. Preliminary
analysis of trace element content in toenail samples reveals higher levels of arsenic,
chromium and nickel in Appalachian Kentucky residents than elsewhere in Kentucky. Trace
elements are known to promote carcinogenesis by increased oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA
damage, and reduced DNA repair efficiency. These findings justify further investigation of
the role that trace elements play in the development of lung cancer in this region.
Hypothesis: The unexpectedly high rate of lung cancer in Appalachian Kentucky is associated
with exposure to environmental carcinogens that increase oxidative stress and DNA damage.
Specific Aims Aim 1: Conduct a case-control study of lung cancer and matched controls in the
5th Congressional District of Kentucky to compare rates of moderate to high arsenic in lung
cancer cases and controls.
Aim 2: Create a specimen repository of biologic and environmental samples from these subjects
and their residences for analysis of DNA repair markers and, in the future, markers of
oxidative stress and inflammation.
Aim 3: Fund four pilot projects which will utilize collected data from Aim 1 to develop
investigators focused on lung cancer research in this study population and to generate
preliminary data that will lead to independent funding.
Study Design: This is a population-based, case-control study encompassing the 5th
Congressional District of Kentucky.
Relevance: This translational research and repository will fundamentally improve our
understanding of the causes of the disproportionately high incidence of lung cancer in
Appalachian Kentucky, foster collaboration among scientists dedicated to the study of lung
cancer and provide a permanent resource to be used for future research.
The following eligibility criteria are required for study entry and participation.
Inclusion (Lung cancer cases):
- Living persons with histologically or cytologically confirmed primary carcinoma of the
lung (International Classification of Diseases-9, 162.2-162.9) between October 17,
2011 and October 16, 2013
- Age greater than 17
- Must be residents of the 5th Congressional District
- No prior history of any cancer (other than stage I and II non-melanomatous skin
cancer)
- Must have a working phone
- Ability to participate in an in-person interview
- English speaking will be eligible for the study (no proxy respondents will be used)
Inclusion (Control cases):
- Age greater than 17
- No prior history of any cancer (other than stage I and II non-melanomatous skin
cancer)
- Must be residents of the 5th Congressional District at the time they are matched to
the case.
- Must have a working phone
- Ability to participate in an in-person interview
- English speaking will be eligible for the study (no proxy respondents will be used)
Exclusion:
- History of any cancers other than those listed above
- Non-residents of the 5th congressional district of Kentucky
- Age 17 years or less
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