Trial Information

Interdisciplinary Case-Control Study of Bladder Cancer in Spain

The incidence rate of bladder cancer in the Barcelona area of Spain is almost identical to
that of the U.S. Cigarette smoking has been identified as the most significant risk factor
for bladder cancer, followed by occupational exposures to chemicals such as aromatic amines
and their derivatives, diesel exhaust, oil mist, pesticides, and polynuclear aromatic
hydrocarbons. A variety of non-occupational exposures have been suggested as potential risk
factors as well, including smoking black vs. blond tobacco, dietary factors, certain
medications and medical conditions, chlorination by-products in drinking water, and fluid
intake. Various genetic polymorphisms also appear to affect bladder cancer risk. Research
is needed to further explore hypotheses generated by previous etiologic studies of bladder
cancer. An ongoing study of bladder cancer survival by the Institut Municipal
d'Investigacio Medica in Spain provides an excellent opportunity for NCI to perform such
research. NCI will build upon the ongoing study by funding an interdisciplinary
case-control component to evaluate bladder cancer risk in relation to various external
factors (e.g., occupational and environmental exposure) and host factors (e.g., genetic
susceptibility marker, and early effect markers). This hospital-based case-control study
will involve personal interviews using a state-of-the-art, computer-assisted technique, and
collection of blood and toenail samples from participants.