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Influence of Corn Farming on the Immune System


N/A
40 Years
60 Years
Not Enrolling
Male
Cancer Risk

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Trial Information

Influence of Corn Farming on the Immune System


When compared to the general population, farmers have an increased risk of non-Hodgkin's
lymphoma (NHL) and certain other hematopoeitic cancers (i.e., multiple myeloma, leukemia).
Factors that contribute to this excess risk have not been discerned. While several
epidemiologic studies have observed an increased risk of NHL among farmers who are exposed
to certain pesticides (i.e., phenoxyacetic acids, organophosphates, organochlorines, and
triazines), these studies have not been conclusive. In addition, a clear mechanistic
association between farming or pesticide exposure and subsequent development of cancer has
not been identified. Given that immunocompromised individuals are at increased risk for
NHL, it has been hypothesized that altered immune function may be an indicator of increased
potential for the development of immunologically based diseases such as NHL. Therefore,
research into early immunologic effects of farming exposures holds some promise in
discerning disease mechanisms and in identifying specific etiologic agents for lymphatic
cancers such as NHL. Few such studies have been conducted.

This protocol outlines a study of immune effects among corn farmers within Agricultural
Health Study (AHS) cohort. The main objective is to evaluate the changes in immune
parameters in farmers throughout the growing season, as well as effects of specific
pesticide exposures including atrazine and organophosphate (OP) insecticides. Farmers and
control subjects were contacted just prior to planting (February-March) to be enrolled in
the study. Biological sampling before and after planting and application of preemergent
pesticides (likely to include atrazine and possibly Ops or carbamates) allowed examination
of short-term biologic effects associated with specific pesticide exposures and general
planting activities (e.g., tillage). The first post-emergent application of organophosphate
insecticide will also be monitored, in order to evaluate short-term biologic effects
associated with this OP exposture. Post-harvest and off-season samples also were collected
to allow evaluation of overall immune effects of farming activities. Pesticide exposures
(e.g., atrazine, OPs, and potentially 2,4-D or carbamates) are being assessed primarily by
measurement of the parent compound or its metabolites in urine, and additional information
on farming activities and work practices will be obtained by questionnaire. Farmers serve
as their own self-controls, and a selected control group will provide a means for external
comparison.

Inclusion Criteria


- INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Male corm farmers in the AHS who plan to apply specific pesticides.

Any ethnicity or race groups are included.

Limit the age criteria for inclusion to 40 to 60 years.

Only non-smokers are included in the study.

Type of Study:

Observational

Study Design:

N/A

Principal Investigator

Laura Beane-Freeman

Investigator Role:

Principal Investigator

Investigator Affiliation:

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Authority:

United States: Federal Government

Study ID:

999902197

NCT ID:

NCT00342121

Start Date:

May 2002

Completion Date:

Related Keywords:

  • Cancer Risk
  • Cancer
  • Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
  • Pesticides
  • Atrazine
  • Organophosphate Insecticides
  • Cancer Risk
  • Normal Control

Name

Location

National Cancer Institute (NCI), 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, Maryland  20892