Reports summarize Kaposi sarcoma risk factors research from National Cancer Institute
December 29th, 2008
2008 DEC 29 -- Fresh data on Kaposi sarcoma are presented in the report 'Risk factors for classical Kaposi sarcoma in a population-based case-control study in Sicily.' According to a study from the United States, "Classical Kaposi sarcoma is a rare complication of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) infection. We conducted a population-based, frequency-matched case-control study in Sicily to further investigate the reported inverse relationship between smoking and classical Kaposi sarcoma and to identify other factors associated with altered risk."
"All incident, histologically confirmed classical Kaposi sarcoma cases in Sicily were eligible. A two-stage cluster sample design was applied to select population controls. KSHV seropositivity was determined using four antibody assays (K8.1 and orf73 enzyme immunoassays and two immunofluorenscence assays). Using SAS-callable SUDAAN, we compared the characteristics of classical Kaposi sarcoma cases and KSHV-seropositive controls. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) are presented. In total, 142 classical Kaposi sarcoma cases and 123 KSHV-seropositive controls were recruited. Current cigarette smoking was associated with reduced risk of classical Kaposi sarcoma amongst males (OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.06-0.67). Edema was associated with classical Kaposi sarcoma, but only when it presented on the lower extremities (OR, 3.65; 95% CI, 1.62-8.23). Irrespective of presentation site, diabetes and oral corticosteroid medications were associated with increased risk (OR, 4.73; 95% CI, 2.02-11.1 and OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.23-4.45, respectively). Never smoking, diabetes, and oral corticosteroid medication use were all independently associated with classical Kaposi sarcoma risk. We confirmed previous reports that cigarette smoking was associated with a reduced risk of classical Kaposi sarcoma, and we found that risk was lowest among current smokers. We also found that classical Kaposi sarcoma risk was strongly and independently associated with oral corticosteroid use and diabetes," wrote L.A. Anderson and colleagues, National Cancer Institute.
The researchers concluded: "Corroboration of these observations and investigation of possible underlying mechanisms are warranted."
Anderson and colleagues published the results of their research in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention (Risk factors for classical Kaposi sarcoma in a population-based case-control study in Sicily. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, 2008;17(12):3435-43).
For additional information, contact L.A. Anderson, EPS 7068 Rockville, Infections and Immunoepidemiology Branch Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics National Cancer Institute 6120 Executive Blvd., MD USA..
The publisher of the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention can be contacted at: American Association Cancer Research, 615 Chestnut St., 17TH Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106-4404, USA.
Keywords: United States, Kaposi Sarcoma Risk Factors, Cancer, Cancer Epidemiology, Clinical Trial Research, Human Herpesvirus 8, Immunoassay, KSHV, Kaposi Sarcoma, Oncology, Virology.
This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.
