Intake of meat and fish and risk of head–neck cancer subtypes in the Netherlands Cohort Study

Purpose

To date, the role of meat and fish intake in head–neck cancer (HNC) etiology is not well understood and prospective evidence is limited. This prompted us to study the association between meat, fish, and HNC subtypes, i.e., oral cavity cancer (OCC), oro- and hypopharyngeal cancer (OHPC), and laryngeal cancer (LC), within the Netherlands Cohort Study (NLCS).

Methods

In 1986, 120,852 participants (aged 55–69 years) completed a baseline 150-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), from which daily meat and fish intake were calculated. After 20.3 years of follow-up, 430 HNC overall (134 OCC, 90 OHPC and 203 LC) cases and 4,111 subcohort members were found to be eligible for case–cohort analysis. Multivariate hazard ratios were calculated using Cox’s proportional hazards model within quartiles of energy-adjusted meat and fish intake.

Results

Processed meat intake, but not red meat intake, was positively associated with HNC overall [HR(Q4 vs. Q1)?=?1.46, 95% CI 1.06–2.00; ptrend?=?0.03]. Among HNC subtypes, processed meat was positively associated with OCC, while no associations were found with OHPC and LC. Fish intake was not associated with HNC risk. Tests for interaction did not reveal statistically significant interaction between meat, fish, and alcohol or smoking on HNC overall risk.

Conclusions

In this large cohort study, processed meat intake was positively associated with HNC overall and HNC subtype OCC, but not with OHPC and LC.

     

肺癌患者端粒酶表达的meat分析

目的 衡量端粒酶活性和肺癌的相关性,综合评价端粒酶活性作为肺癌诊断标记物的效度。方法 检索并筛选出28篇有关端粒酶活性和肺癌的流行病学资料,用meta分析（包括Fleiss固定效应模型或D－L随机效应模型）合并效应尺度OR,并汇总端酶活性在肺癌诊断中的特异度和灵敏度,评价该肿瘤标记物的效果。结果 D－L法计算OR合燕为66．43,（38．48－104．53）,Fleiss法将同质的25项研究结果加权并后,肺癌组累积1361例,对照组累积1321例,检测灵敏度为0．7987,特异度为0．9341。结论 端粒酶是一种较理想的诊断性肿瘤标志物,该研究结果为将端粒酶活性纳入肺癌筛检划提供一定的理论依据。     

Processed meat consumption and risk of cancer: a multisite case–control study in Uruguay

Background:

The role of processed meat in the aetiology of several cancers was explored in detail.

Methods:

In the time period 1996–2004, a multisite case–control study was conducted in Montevideo, Uruguay. The study included 6 060 participants (3 528 cases and 2 532 controls) corresponding to cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, larynx, lung, female breast, prostate, urinary bladder, and kidney (renal cell carcinoma only).

Results:

The highest odds ratios (ORs) were positively associated with cancers of the colon, rectum, stomach, oesophagus, and lung. With the exception of renal cell carcinoma, the remaining cancer sites were significantly associated with elevated risks for processed meat consumption. Furthermore, mortadella, salami, hot dog, ham, and salted meat were strongly associated with risk of several cancer sites.

Conclusion:

It could be concluded that processed meat intake could be a powerful multiorgan carcinogen.     

Are meat and heme iron intake associated with pancreatic cancer? Results from the NIH‐AARP diet and health cohort

Several studies on pancreatic cancer have reported significant positive associations for intake of red meat but null associations for heme iron. We assessed total, red, white and processed meat intake, meat cooking methods and doneness and heme iron and mutagen intake in relation to pancreatic cancer in the NIH‐AARP Diet and Health Study cohort. A total of 322,846 participants (187,265 men and 135,581 women) successfully completed and returned the food frequency questionnaire between 1995 and 1996. After a mean follow‐up of 9.2 years (up to 10.17 years), 1,417 individuals (895 men and 522 women) developed exocrine pancreatic cancer. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and trends were calculated using the median value of each quantile. Models incorporated age as the time metric and were adjusted for smoking history, body mass index, self‐reported diabetes and energy‐adjusted saturated fat. Pancreatic cancer risk significantly increased with intake of total meat (Q5 vs. Q1: HR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.02–1.42, p‐trend = 0.03), red meat (HR = 1.22, 95% CI 1.01–1.48, p‐trend = 0.02), high‐temperature cooked meat (HR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.00–1.45, p‐trend = 0.02), grilled/barbequed meat (HR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.03–1.50, p‐trend = 0.007), well/very well done meat (HR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.10–1.58, p‐trend = 0.005) and heme iron from red meat (Q4 vs. Q1: HR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.01–1.45, p‐trend = 0.04). When stratified by sex, these associations remained significant in men but not women except for white meat intake in women (HR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.02–1.74, p‐trend = 0.04). Additional studies should confirm our findings that consuming heme iron from red meat increases pancreatic cancer risk.     

Red meat and cancer risk in a network of case–control studies focusing on cooking practices

BackgroundConsumption of red meat has been related to increased risk of several cancers. Cooking methods could modify the magnitude of this association, as production of chemicals depends on the temperature and duration of cooking.MethodsWe analyzed data from a network of case–control studies conducted in Italy and Switzerland between 1991 and 2009. The studies included 1465 oral and pharyngeal, 198 nasopharyngeal, 851 laryngeal, 505 esophageal, 230 stomach, 1463 colon, 927 rectal, 326 pancreatic, 3034 breast, 454 endometrial, 1031 ovarian, 1294 prostate and 767 renal cancer cases. Controls included 11 656 patients admitted for acute, non-neoplastic conditions. Odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by multiple logistic regression models, adjusted for known confounding factors.ResultsDaily intake of red meat was significantly associated with the risk of cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx (OR for increase of 50 g/day = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.26–1.52), nasopharynx (OR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.04–1.60), larynx (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.30–1.64), esophagus (OR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.23–1.72), colon (OR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.08–1.26), rectum (OR = 1.22; 95% CI:1.11–1.33), pancreas (OR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.25–1.82), breast (OR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.04–1.19), endometrium (OR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.10–1.55) and ovary (OR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.16–1.43). Fried meat was associated with a higher risk of cancer of oral cavity and pharynx (OR = 2.80; 95% CI: 2.02–3.89) and esophagus (OR = 4.52; 95% CI: 2.50–8.18). Risk of prostate cancer increased for meat cooked by roasting/grilling (OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.12–1.54). No heterogeneity according to cooking methods emerged for other cancers. Nonetheless, significant associations with boiled/stewed meat also emerged for cancer of the nasopharynx (OR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.30–3.00) and stomach (OR = 1.86; 95% CI: 1.20–2.87).ConclusionsOur analysis confirmed red meat consumption as a risk factor for several cancer sites, with a limited impact of cooking methods. These findings, thus, call for a limitation of its consumption in populations of Western countries.     

How do you want your steak prepared? The impact of meat consumption and preparation on prostate cancer

Numerous epidemiological studies have suggested dietary factors may alter the risk of prostate cancer. Punnen and colleagues have conducted a case-control study focused on aggressive prostate cancer (N = 982), where not only details on meat consumption were collected, but also meat preparation was captured. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to assess the association between meat consumption, grilled meat consumption, doneness level, mutagens and aggressive prostate cancer. High consumption of processed meat, including ground beef, was associated with aggressive prostate cancer. Ground beef showed the strongest association (overall risk, OR = 2.30, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.39–3.81; P-trend = 0.002). Well-done meat conferred a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Interestingly, the consumption of rare or less cooked meat was not associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. When the investigators evaluated the estimated meat mutagens produced by cooking at high temperatures, they identified an increased risk with MelQx and DiMelQx, OR = 1.69 95% CI: 1.08–2.64, P-trend = 0.02 and OR = 1.53 95% CI: 1.00–2.35, P-trend = 0.005, respectively.     

Consumption of different types of meat and the risk of renal cancer: meta-analysis of case–control studies

Background Kidney cancers account for almost 2% of all cancers worldwide, with 150,000 new cases and 78,000 deaths from the disease occurring annually. An increase in the incidence of kidney neoplasm in western countries was noticed in the past few years. Between 1988 and 1992, the incidence of renal cancer per 100,000 person-year among males in USA, Norway, and France was 34.1, 9.00, and 16.10, respectively. Among females in the same countries, it was 5.70, 5.00, and 7.30, respectively. Although several individual case–control studies examined the association of meat intake and renal cancer risk, the results were inconsistent because of the insufficient statistical power of the individual studies. Therefore, the following meta-analysis was designed to help in clarifying the association. Methods Electronic search of MEDLINE, OVID, and PUBMED databases which have articles published between (1966 and 2006) was conducted to select studies for this meta-analysis. Statistical analysis Fixed and random-effects meta-analytical techniques were used to estimate the overall association between meat consumption and kidney cancer. Results Thirteen case–control studies were found. This meta-analysis supported a positive relationship between meat consumption and risk of renal cancer. Summary results indicated that there was from 20% to 22% higher risk of renal cancer among those in the highest relative to the lowest category of poultry and processed meat consumption. Consumption of all meat and red meat was associated with 27% and 30% higher risk, respectively. The increased risks were statistically significant. Conclusions Increased consumption of all meat, red meat, poultry, and processed meat is associated with an increase risk of kidney cancer. Reduction of meat consumption is an important approach to decreasing the incidence of kidney cancer in the general population. An erratum to this article is available at .     

Consumption of dairy and meat in relation to breast cancer risk in the Black Women’s Health Study

Purpose

Dairy and meat consumption may impact breast cancer risk through modification of hormones (e.g., estrogen), through specific nutrients (e.g., vitamin D), or through products formed in processing/cooking (e.g., heterocyclic amines). Results relating meat and dairy intake to breast cancer risk have been conflicting. Thus, we examined the risk of breast cancer in relation to intake of dairy and meat in a large prospective cohort study.

Methods

In the Black Women’s Health Study, 1,268 incident breast cancer cases were identified among 52,062 women during 12 years of follow-up. Multivariable (MV) relative risks (RRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Null associations were observed for total milk (MV RR = 1.05, 95 % CI 0.74–1.46 comparing ≥1,000–0 g/week) and total meat (MV RR = 1.04, 95 % CI 0.85–1.28 comparing ≥1,000 < 400 g/week) intake and risk of breast cancer. Associations with intakes of specific types of dairy, specific types of meat, and dietary calcium and vitamin D were also null. The associations were not modified by reproductive (e.g., parity) or lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking). Associations with estrogen receptor (ER) positive (+), ER negative (?), progesterone receptor (PR) +, PR?, ER+/PR+, and ER?/PR? breast cancer were generally null.

Conclusions

This analysis of African-American women provides little support for associations of dairy and meat intake with breast cancer risk.     

Is red meat intake a risk factor for breast cancer among premenopausal women?

Currently, an in vivo spontaneous model of estrogen dependent, tamoxifen sensitive breast cancer does not exist. We show here the characterization of the M05 mammary tumor that appeared spontaneously in a 1-year-old virgin female BALB/c mouse in our animal facility. The M05 tumor is a semi-differentiated adenocarcinoma that expresses estrogen and progesterone receptors. When it was transplanted to either male or ovariectomized female mice it did not grow. Moreover, ovariectomy or treatment with tamoxifen of tumor bearing mice led to a halt in tumor growth. Treatment of ovariectomized mice that had been inoculated with the M05 tumor showed that only estradiol, but not progesterone, promoted the re-growth of the tumor. Finally, after passage nine, tumor growth was achieved in male and ovariectomized female mice suggesting that the tumor had progressed to hormone independence. However, like often found in the clinic, expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors was maintained. This model mimics the biology of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer in humans and presents itself as an invaluable tool for the study of endocrine resistance in a physiologically relevant setting.     

CCR7 and CXCR4 Expression in Primary Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas and Nodal Metastases – a Clinical and Immunohistochemical Study

Background: Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) are common head and neck malignancies demonstrating lymph node LN involvement. Recently chemokine receptor overxpression has been reported in many cancers. Of particular interest, CCR7 appears to be a strong mediator of LN metastases, while CXCR4 may mediate distant metastases. Any relations between their expression in primary HNSCCs and metastatic lymph nodes need to be clarified. Aims: To investigate CCR7 andCXCR4 expression in primary HNSCCs of all tumor sizes, clinical stages and histological grades, as well as involved lymph nodes, then make comparisons, also with control normal oral epithelium. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 60 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of primary HNSCCs, 77 others of metastasi-positive lymph nodes, and 10 of control normal oral epithelial tissues. Sections were conventionally stained with H&E and immunohistochemically with monoclonal anti-CCR7 and monoclonal anti-CXCR4 antibodies. Positive cells were counted under microscopic assessment in four fields (X40) per case. Results: There was no variation among primary HNSCC tumors staining positive for CCR7 and CXCR4 with tumor size of for CCR7 with lymph node involvement. However, a difference was noted between primary HNSCC tumors stained by CXCR4 with a single as compared to more numerous node involvement. CXCR4 appear to vary with the clinical stagebut no links were noted with histological grades. Staining for primary HNSCC tumors and metastatic lymph nodes correlated.     

ERβ-specific agonists and genistein inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in the large and small intestine

Epidemiological data indicate that intake of estrogens and isoflavones may be beneficial for the prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC). Based on this data, the aim of the study was to investigate estrogen receptor (ER) subtype-specific effects on intestinal homeostasis. Ovariectomized (OVX) female Wistar rats were either treated with 17β-estradiol (4 μg/kg body wt/day) (E2), an ERα-specific agonist (ALPHA) (10 μg/kg body wt/day), an ERβ-specific agonist (BETA) (100 μg/kg body wt/day) or genistein (GEN) (10 mg/kg body wt/day) for three weeks. Vehicle-treated OVX and SHAM animals and those cotreated with BETA and the pure antiestrogen Fulvestrant (ICI 182780) (100 μg/kg body wt/day and 3 mg/kg body wt/day) served as controls. GEN and BETA treatment but not E2 and ALPHA administration reduced proliferation in ileal and colonic mucosa cells. The rate of apoptosis in the small intestine and colon was increased by treatment with BETA and GEN, but not by E2. BETA induced antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity also in SHAM animals. The effects were antagonized by the pure antiestrogen Fulvestrant. Polymerase chain reaction gene array analysis revealed that BETA resulted in the downregulation of the oncogene transformation-related protein 63 (p63). Our data indicate that activation of the ERβ by specific ERβ agonists and GEN induces antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in the intestinal tract. This observation can be taken as an indication that intake of GEN and specific ERβ agonists may protect the ileal and colonic epithelium from tumor development via modulation of tissue homeostasis.     

Physical and emotional well-being and support in newly diagnosed head and neck cancer patient–caregiver dyads

The purpose of this study was to examine the physical and emotional well-being and social support in newly diagnosed head and neck cancer (HNC) patients and caregivers and identify sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral risk factors associated with compromised well-being in patients and caregivers. Newly diagnosed HNC patients and their primary caregivers (N = 72 dyads) completed questionnaires before treatment assessing physical and mental well-being, depression, cancer worry, and open-ended support questions. Patients reported worse physical well-being than caregivers (p < 0.05) but similar levels of mental well-being. Caregivers reported providing emotional and instrumental support most frequently with an emphasis on nutrition and assistance with speech, appearance, and addictions. Both patients and their caregivers reported suboptimal mental well-being and depression. Smoking was associated with compromised well-being in patients, caregivers, and dyads. Compromised well-being in patients and their caregivers was more likely when patients were younger, had worse symptoms, and smoked/consumed alcohol (p < 0.05). While patients face more physical strain than caregivers, both equally confront emotional challenges. Results highlight risk factors for compromised well-being in both patients and their caregivers that should be assessed at diagnosis to guide identification of needed dyadic-focused supportive care resources.     

Iron intake and markers of iron status and risk of Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma

Objective  

To investigate the association between iron intake and iron status with Barrett’s esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC).     

Fruit and vegetable intake and risk of cancer in the Swedish women’s lifestyle and health cohort

Objective  

To investigate whether intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with overall cancer incidence in a large prospective cohort of women in Sweden characterised by young age at enrolment (30–49 years) and relatively low intake of fruits and vegetables.     

The role and status of fuzheng in cancer prevention and treatment

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment of cancer has a long history, and is an important part of cancer prevention and control in China. Fuzheng, also cal ed reinforcing healthy qi and supplementing the root, is the most funda-mental principle of TCM in cancer prevention and control. In recent decades, this treatment has been thoroughly studied and widely applied, and played a crucial role in cancer prevention and treatment. With regard to the treatment of malignant tumors, Chinese medicine is mainly used in the fol owing areas:improving symptoms, enhancing the quality of life, reducing postop-erative recurrence and metastasis, increasing ef icacy and decreasing toxicity together with radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments, and to some extent prolonging the survival of advanced tumors.