Abstract |
Studies on the possible role of organochlorine compounds in the etiology of pancreatic and other cancers face a set of methodologic and logistic issues that stem from the lipophilic nature of most organochlorines, and from the fact that tumor-induced lipid mobilization, weight loss, and metabolic changes can be profound before diagnosis. The question thus arises: do the xenobiotic concentrations in blood and adipose tissue result, in part, from such pathophysiologic changes? To assess and control potential selection and information biases, a flexible framework is warranted. It could be based on indicators such as time elapsed between the first symptom of cancer and blood or fat sample extraction; signs, symptoms and clinical status at the time of extraction; cholesterol and triglycerides levels; other laboratory findings; tumor stage at diagnosis; diagnostic procedures; treatment type and timing; clinical complications; and survival. Before adopting qualitative criteria and quantitative standards, their impact upon causal estimators should be assessed empirically.
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Authors | M Porta |
Journal | Epidemiology (Cambridge, Mass.)
(Epidemiology)
Vol. 12
Issue 2
Pg. 272-6
(Mar 2001)
ISSN: 1044-3983 [Print] United States |
PMID | 11246593
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated
- DDT
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls
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Topics |
- DDT
(adverse effects)
- Epidemiologic Methods
- Humans
- Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated
(adverse effects, blood)
- Lipid Metabolism
- Pancreatic Neoplasms
(chemically induced)
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls
(adverse effects)
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