Decreased Survival of Glioma Patients with Astrocytoma Grade IV (Glioblastoma Multiforme) Associated with Long-Term Use of Mobile and Cordless Phones

Abstract

On 31 May 2011 the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) categorised radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) from mobile phones, and from other devices that emit similar non-ionising electromagnetic fields, as a Group 2B, i.e., a “possible”, human carcinogen. A causal association would be strengthened if it could be shown that the use of wireless phones has an impact on the survival of glioma patients. We analysed survival of 1678 glioma patients in our 1997–2003 and 2007–2009 case-control studies. Use of wireless phones in the >20 years latency group (time since first use) yielded an increased hazard ratio (HR) = 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2–2.3 for glioma. For astrocytoma grade IV (glioblastoma multiforme; n = 926) mobile phone use yielded HR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.4–2.9 and cordless phone use HR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.04–11 in the same latency category. The hazard ratio for astrocytoma grade IV increased statistically significant per year of latency for wireless phones, HR = 1.020, 95% CI = 1.007–1.033, but not per 100 h cumulative use, HR = 1.002, 95% CI = 0.999–1.005. HR was not statistically significant increased for other types of glioma. Due to the relationship with survival the classification of IARC is strengthened and RF-EMF should be regarded as human carcinogen requiring urgent revision of current exposure guidelines.

Evaluation of Mobile Phone and Cordless Phone Use and Glioma Risk Using the Bradford Hill Viewpoints from 1965 on Association or Causation

“…We analyzed survival of 1,678 glioma patients in our 1997–2003 and 2007–2009 case-control studies [55]. Use of wireless phones in the >20 years' latency group (time since first use) gave a reduced survival yielding hazard ratio (HR) = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.23–2.29 for glioma; see Table 12.…”

“…Tumour promotion from RF radiation might give earlier symptoms leading to surgery. For 144 (63%) of the 228 cases with low-grade astrocytoma it was possible to calculate tumour volume based on CT/MRI scans [55]. This gave for cases exposed to wireless phones ( n = 121) median volume = 25.1 cm 3 (mean = 37.7, range = 0.15–179.6) compared with unexposed cases ( n = 23) median volume = 18.3 cm 3 (mean = 33.1, range = 0.79–125.7).…”

Cochlear implants in the etiopathogenesis of glioblastoma–an interesting observation or independent finding?

“…A fraction of this energy is absorbed by the biological tissues in close proximity to the emitting antenna, in particular the auricular region and the underlying temporal lobe at a maximum specific absorption value of 2 W/kg [5]. A recent analysis from Carlberg and Hardell [6] revealed decreased survival for patients with glioma, in particular astrocytoma grade IV with long-term use of wireless phones. With mounting concerns about the adverse health effects as a result of increased exposure to RF-EMF, the IARC classified electronic devices, including mobile phones, which emit RF-EMF as group IIB, BPossibly carcinogenic to humans^ [15].…”

The relationship between mobile phone use and risk of brain tumor: a systematic review and meta-analysis of trails in the last decade

“…In glioma, the situation seems to be similar to the whole brain tumor, there were not any strong evidence showed that there was a relationship between glioma morbidity and mobile phone use [2,4,8,9,11,16,23,27,30]. But with the rising of glioma malignant degree, the level III to IV glioma seems to be associated with the use of mobile phone [8,23].…”

“…But with the rising of glioma malignant degree, the level III to IV glioma seems to be associated with the use of mobile phone [8,23].…”