RISK-FACTORS FOR WILMS-TUMOR - REPORT FROM THE NATIONAL WILMS-TUMOR STUDY

Background. Previous epidemiologic studies have indicated that several factors may be associated with an increased risk of Wilms tumor inclu ding paternal occupational exposures, maternal exposure during pregnan cy to cigarettes, coffee or tea, oral contraceptives, hormonal pregnan cy tests, hair-coloring products, maternal hypertension, vaginal infec tion during pregnancy, and higher birth weight of the child. The curre nt study examines the nonoccupational risk factors using questionnaire data from a large national collaborative clinical trial. Methods. Par ents of 200 children registered with the National Wilms Tumor Study an d 233 matched controls, identified using telephone random-digit dialin g, completed a self-administered questionnaire about a variety of risk factors. Results. As opposed to some previous studies, no association was found for mother's smoking during pregnancy (10+ cigarettes per d ay; odds ratio OR! 0.73; 95% confidence interval CI! - 0.40-1.34), m aternal consumption of coffee or tea during pregnancy (4+ cups per day ; OR = 1.31; CI = 0.57-3.01), or hypertension during pregnancy (OR = 0 .96; CI = 0.45-2.06). In addition, no association was found in this st udy for hormone exposure during pregnancy, hair dye use, vaginal infec tion during pregnancy, or high birth weight. A previously unreported a ssociation with a history of household insect extermination was found (OR = 2.16; CI = 1.24-3.75). Conclusions. In general, the study failed to confirm most of the previously reported maternal risk factors for Wilms tumor. Understanding the possible role of paternal exposures may be the best objective for further research on potential risk factors for Wilms tumor.