MATERNAL EXPOSURE TO N-NITROSATABLE DRUGS AS A RISK FACTOR FOR CHILDHOOD BRAIN-TUMORS

Background. Animal models suggest that compounds containing a nitrosyl group (N-nitroso compounds (NNO)) can act as potent transplacental ca rcinogens. Many common drug formulations have the potential to undergo nitrosation in vivo. The association between maternal use of nitrosat able drugs during pregnancy and development of brain tumours in the of fspring was examined in a SEER-based case-control study. Methods. Mate rnal exposure to nitrosatable drugs during pregnancy was compared amon g 361 childhood brain tumour cases and 1083 matched controls recruited through random-digit dialling. Results. There was no increase in risk observed for childhood brain tumours overall (OR = 1.15; 95% CI : 0.6 9-1.94) or for astrocytomas individually (OR = 1.16; 95% CI : 0.50-2.6 9). A slight elevation in risk was noted for medulloblastomas (OR = 1. 47; 95% CI : 0.28-7.62) and 'other' tumours (OR = 1.27; 95% CI : 0.56- 2.86), however, both estimates were based on small numbers. Conclusion s. Our findings suggest that no increased risk of childhood brain tumo urs was associated with maternal exposure to nitrosatable drugs. The s tudy results should be Viewed with caution given the imprecision of th e point estimates as well as the lack of data on specific timing and d osage of exposure and degree of nitrosatability of drugs taken.