METAANALYSIS OF 4 SWEDISH CASE-CONTROL STUDIES ON EXPOSURE TO PESTICIDES AS RISK-FACTOR FOR SOFT-TISSUE SARCOMA INCLUDING THE RELATION TO TUMOR-LOCALIZATION AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL TYPE

In four previous case-control studies we have shown an association bet ween exposure to phenoxyacetic acids or chlorophenols and soft-tissue sarcoma (STS). These chemicals are contaminated by dioxins and dibenzo furans, some of which are known carcinogens in experimental animals. I n a meta-analysis of our four studies we studied such exposure includi ng the relation to tumour localization and histopathological type of S TS. In total 434 histopathologically verified STS cases and 948 contro ls were included. Anatomical tumour localization was assessed by scrut inizing medical records for all cases. In the analysis stratification was made for age, vital status and study. Significantly increased risk s were obtained for exposure to phenoxyacetic acids and chlorophenols, odds ratios 2.7 and 3.3, 95% confidence intervals 1.9-4.7 and 1.8-6.1 , respectively. The increased risk was independent of histopathologica l subtype and anatomical site although especially high odds ratios wer e obtained for body sites close to areas where dermal contact may occu r in sprayers. Phenoxyacetic acids and chlorophenols with their contam inating dioxins and dibenzofurans should be regarded as carcinogenic f or STS regardless of tumour localization and histopathological type.