Virtual Library
Start Your Search
E.G. Levitzky
Author of
-
+
MINI 24 - Epidemiology, Early Detection, Biology (ID 140)
- Event: WCLC 2015
- Type: Mini Oral
- Track: Thymoma, Mesothelioma and Other Thoracic Malignancies
- Presentations: 1
- Moderators:J. Creaney, M. Carbone
- Coordinates: 9/08/2015, 16:45 - 18:15, 102+104+106
-
+
MINI24.04 - Cluster Analysis of Malignant Mesothelioma Incidence in Louisiana (ID 1568)
17:00 - 17:05 | Author(s): E.G. Levitzky
- Abstract
- Presentation
Background:
Exposure to asbestos fibers is the predominant causal factor in malignant mesothelioma (MM). The higher than expected incidence of MM in Louisiana, particularly among males, has been attributed to occupational exposure at facilities engaged in the shipping, ship construction and manufacturing industries that utilized substantial quantities of materials containing asbestos fibers. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the locations and demographic characteristics of spatial clusters of malignant mesothelioma (MM) cases reported in Louisiana between 1992 and 2011.
Methods:
Incident case data reported to the SEER Louisiana Tumor Registry (LTR) were geocoded by census tract and stratified into four categories based on gender and age at diagnosis - Males under 60 years, Males 60 years and over, Females under 60 years and Females 60 years and over. Investigation of probable spatial clusters for each gender/age group combination was conducted using a Poisson-based model for the LTR incidence data. The ratio of male to female cases in the probable clusters was utilized to assess environmental versus occupational exposure. Locations of possible spatial clusters and locations of facilities processing, manufacturing and utilizing asbestos materials were illustrated graphically using geographic information system software.
Results:
The most likely clusters of MM for each age/gender group were located in the Greater New Orleans area and were statistically significant. There was substantial overlap of the boundaries for the four clusters located in Jefferson Parish with 15 census tracts included in all four clusters. The overall ratio of male to female cases in the most likely clusters was 1.35:1. A statistically significant secondary cluster was identified for males under 60 years of age northwest of Baton Rouge, LA. A pair of spatial clusters was identified for Males under 60 years and Females 60 years and older south of Lafayette.
Conclusion:
Our results of a most likely cluster of MM for males 60 years and older in Jefferson Parish was expected given the presence of large business enterprises known to have processed, manufactured and used asbestos materials since the 1930s. The presence of probable spatial clusters of MM cases of females in both age groups and males under 60 years of age was unexpected. The spatial clusters reported for Males under 60 years and Females 60 years and older near Lafayette and no cluster for Males 60 years and older in the area also suggested possible environmental exposure in the area. These results, along with the ratio of male to female cases among the four combined spatial clusters in the Greater New Orleans area suggested that exposure to asbestos was likely a combination of occupational and environmental exposure. Spatial analysis of MM incidence is an effective approach for investigating geographic areas with elevated rates of the disease, especially where exposure to asbestos has not been investigated. Further research is needed to evaluate occupational and environmental exposure sources in these populations by gathering detailed asbestos exposure measurements, demographic and health data among cases by gender and age group.
Only Members that have purchased this event or have registered via an access code will be able to view this content. To view this presentation, please login, select "Add to Cart" and proceed to checkout. If you would like to become a member of IASLC, please click here.
