The role of parental and perinatal characteristics on Langerhans cell histiocytosis: characterizing increased risk among Hispanics

Purpose

Potential roles of inherited and environmental risk factors in pathogenesis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), a myeloid neoplastic disorder, are undefined. We therefore evaluated the role of parental and perinatal factors on the risk of this childhood cancer.

Methods

Information on LCH cases (n = 162) for the period 1995–2011 was obtained from the Texas Cancer Registry. Birth certificate controls were frequency-matched on year of birth at a ratio of 10:1 for the same period. Variables evaluated included parental age, race/ethnicity, size for gestational age, and birth order. Logistic regression was used to generate an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) testing the association between each factor and LCH.

Results

Few perinatal or parental factors were associated with LCH risk, with the exception of race/ethnicity. Mothers of Hispanic ethnicity were more likely to have children who developed LCH compared to non-Hispanic whites (aOR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.02–2.25). This risk increased when both parents were Hispanic (aOR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.13–2.87). Non-Hispanic black mothers were suggested as less likely to give birth to offspring who developed LCH compared to non-Hispanic whites (aOR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.24–1.02).

Conclusions

LCH is characterized by somatic mutations in MAPK pathway genes in myeloid precursors. Increased risk for LCH in children of Hispanic parents suggests potential impact of inherited factors on LCH pathogenesis.