A Nested Case-Control Study of Serum Levels of Polyfluoroalkyl Chemicals (PFCs) and Kidney Cancer Among Participants in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial
Abstract
Objective: We hypothesize that perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and possibly other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are human carcinogens, and that exposure to these substances is associated with increased risk of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Our study is, to our knowledge, the first to assess RCC risk in relation to direct measurements of PFOA and other PFAS at levels of exposure comparable to those seen in the general population. Primary Aim: Prospectively investigate the relationship between serum concentrations of eight PFAS and RCC risk among 324 cases and 324 individually matched controls in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial. Major findings: We observed positive exposure-response associations with PFOA, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid(PFHxS). The association with PFOA was similar after adjustment for other PFAS, and remained apparent in analyses restricted to individuals without evidence of diminished kidney function and in cases diagnosed 8 years after phlebotomy. Impact: Our findings add substantially to the weight of evidence that PFOA is a renal carcinogen and may have important public health implications for the many individuals exposed to this ubiquitous and highly persistent chemical.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1133875
Entities
People
- Jonathan N Hofmann
Organizations
- Geneva Foundation