Environmental Risk Factors for Childhood Central Nervous System Tumors: an Umbrella Review

AbstractPurpose of ReviewChildhood central nervous system tumors (cCNSt) are the most common solid tumors in individuals under 20  years old, yet environmental risk factors are not well established. Therefore, we conducted an umbrella review to summarize the current literature on risk factors related to cCNSt.Recent FindingsChildhood exposure to ionizing radiation from medical devices was the strongest risk factor. There was evidence of positive associations with several other factors, including maternal age, birth weight, and pesticide exposure. Conversely, maternal folic acid supplementation during pregnancy and having childhood allergic conditions were inversely associated with cCNSt. Few studies assessed associations by cCNSt histological subtypes and none by molecular subtypes. Exposure assessments were limited to data linkages, parental recall via questionnaires, or measurements at diagnosis.SummaryBecause cCNSt are highly heterogeneous, future research is needed to examine risk factors by molecular and histological subtypes and to apply novel, unbiased exposure assessments.
Source: Current Epidemiology Reports - Category: Epidemiology Source Type: research