Incidence of Thyroid Cancer in Italian Contaminated Sites

Abstract

Some human literature suggests a possible role of endocrine disruptors (EDs) exposure in thyroid cancer (TC) development. We investigated TC incidence in selected Italian National Priority Contaminated Sites (NPCS) with documented presence of EDs considered thyroid carcinogens. Adjusted Standardized Incidence Ratios (SIRs), with their 90% confidence intervals, were computed by gender, and age-specific groups (aged 15–39 years, and 40 years or over) for each NPCS in the period 2006 to 2013. In the age group of 15–39 years, a significant excess of TC risk was found in two NPCSs in males; non-significant excess risks were observed in four NPCSs in males, and in five in females. In the age group of 40 years and over, significant excess risks were found in six NPCSs in males and in seven NPCSs in females; non-significant excess risks were identified in two NPCSs in males and females. The findings of several excesses in incidence, mainly observed in adults aged 40 years or over, are suggestive of a possible adverse effect associated with residence in NPCSs, even if a role of other factors cannot be excluded, due to the adoption of an ecological study design. Future analytical studies are needed to clarify if EDs are a TC risk factor for individuals living in NPCSs.

High Incidence of Thyroid Cancer in Southern Tuscany (Grosseto Province, Italy): Potential Role of Environmental Heavy Metal Pollution

“…A recent paper reported an excess risk of TC incidence in patients living in Italian National Priority Contaminated Sites (NPCS) with a documented presence of endocrine disruptors (EDs), suggesting a potential etiological role of residential exposure to EDs in the development of TC in the communities in these areas [41]. The authors analyzed data from only 13 of these 59 NPCs, and it is interesting to note that 2 of these 59 are located in the province of Grosseto (Orbetello, ex-Sinoco) or in very close proximity (Piombino).…”

In silico Analysis of Publicly Available Transcriptomics Data Identifies Putative Prognostic and Therapeutic Molecular Targets for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

“…Ukrainian patients had more pathways linked to response to hormones and hormone metabolic processes. Brazilian patients had pathways linked to environmental triggers including response to inorganic substances and vitamin A metabolism suggesting the perhaps pollution 20 and poor diet 21 may have partially contributed to PTC cases. The South Korean patients seem to have more cancer hallmark pathways activated such as apoptosis and growth in addition to possibly pro-inflammatory pathway activation as shown by the activation of viral entry into the cell pathway suggesting that there might be additional genetic components within that population leading to chronic inflammatory response which when not treated immediately might lead to PTC.…”

Thyroid cancer in the era of endocrine disrupting compounds

“…Thyroid cancer has the highest prevalence of all endocrine malignancies, accounting for 1–3% of all human tumors [ 1 ]. The incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer has increased globally in the last 10-20 years, faster than that of any other cancer type [ 2 ].…”

“…Thyroid cancer is also one of the most common tumors for the age group 15–39 years. In children, before the age of 10, the occurrence of thyroid cancer is very rare [ 1 ].…”

“…They account for 85–90%and 5–10% of all thyroid cancers, respectively. Less common forms are medullary carcinoma (2%), Hurthle cell carcinoma, and the extremely rare and aggressive anaplastic thyroid carcinoma [ 1 ]. A combination of tumors in the thyroid it is possible to appear.…”