An epidemiologic perspective on the stem cell hypothesis in human carcinogenesis

Publication date: October 2017 Source:Cancer Epidemiology, Volume 50, Part A Author(s): David Schottenfeld Background Tomasetti and Vogelstein have hypothesized that the patterns of cancer incidence in various cells and tissues are highly correlated with the estimated lifetime number of stem cell divisions. The authors reviewed the risks in tissues of 17 types of cancer from the United States and 69 additional countries. Positive correlations were observed consistently between the tissue − specific cancer incidence and the estimated lifetime number of stem cell divisions. The authors concluded that approximately two-thirds of global cancer incidence may be attributed to random DNA replication errors. Methods An epidemiologic perspective is presented that may serve as a counterpoint in interpreting organ-specific cancer risks. The unifying nature of the Tomasetti/Vogelstein hypothesis must be viewed in the context of diverse and contrasting global trends and patterns of types and “causes” of cancers that are closely linked with economic development and cultural lifestyle practices. The presentation is organized by reviewing the global burden of cancer; concepts of causal inferences and counterfactual assumptions; multifactorial causes of hepatocellular carcinoma and a hierarchy of causes that varies internationally; tobacco carcinogenesis and the multiplex associations with 19 cancer sites and tissues; profile in contrasts in transit through the small and large intes...
Source: Cancer Epidemiology - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research