Meta-Analysis of the Association between Asbestos Exposure and Esophageal Cancer

Abstract

Background: We conducted a meta-analysis to quantitatively assess the association between asbestos exposure and esophageal cancer. Methods: We systematically collected articles from three electronic databases and calculated the pooled standardized mortality rate (SMR) from the meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis according to the type of asbestos exposure, follow-up years, sample size, industry classification, sex, and high-dose exposure was conducted. Results: From 242 studies, 34 cohort studies were included in our meta-analysis. Pooled SMR was positively associated with asbestos exposure and esophageal cancer (pooled SMR = 1.28; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19–1.38, p < 0.00001). In the subgroup analysis, (1) chrysolite, (2) four groups with follow-up over ten years, (3) the textile industry and shipyard, (4) both male and female, and (5) eight studies on highest asbestos exposure, all the subgroups showed significantly increased pooled SMRs. Conclusion: Asbestos exposure was significantly and positively associated with esophageal cancer, especially chrysolite. Considering the long latency period, we suggest that patients should be followed up for cancer, including esophageal cancer, for over ten years.

Occupational asbestos exposure and risk of esophageal cancer: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Our study consistent with two previous studies (Institute of Medicine; Wu et al) 16,17 suggested an association between occupational asbestos exposure and EC risk by considering some specific job categories and these results were relevant to both histological types of EC. Thus, by adding EC among the possible targets of asbestos carcinogenicity, our results could lead to recommendations for reducing occupational asbestos exposure and implementing strict guidelines regarding occupational asbestos exposure.…”

“…7,13 Some studies also showed an association between asbestos exposure particularly from drinking water and digestive system cancers, such as colon cancer. 10,14,15 Wu et al 16 reported that occupational or environmental asbestos exposure might increase the risk of EC by focusing on 34 cohort studies and also the Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Asbestos in 2006 reported a meta-analysis according to the three case control and 19 cohort studies 17 both reviews, however, did not appear to include all available studies, and some concerns remain regarding the different types of studies, types of histology, and geographical areas, thus justifying an updated review.…”

Immunogenetic clustering of 30 cancers

“…6 ) for which gallstones have been implicated 31 – 33 , and the other is the mesothelioma-esophageal cancer pair (Fig. 7 ) for which exposure to asbestos has been implicated 34 , 35 . It can be seen that the immunogenetic HLA profiles of all these 6 cancer pairs were positively and highly significantly associated ( P < 0.001 for all correlations), attesting to the congruence of existing data from other studies.…”

Comorbidities and Causes of Death of Patients With Asbestosis

“…A majority of pleural mesothelioma cases are due to asbestos 9 . The association of asbestos exposure and other malignancies has been studied with variable results, as authors of recent reviews and meta-analyses have claimed that asbestos is a risk factor for esophageal and colorectal cancers, whereas no association was found with kidney and prostate cancers 10–13 …”

“…9 The association of asbestos exposure and other malignancies has been studied with variable results, as authors of recent reviews and meta-analyses have claimed that asbestos is a risk factor for esophageal and colorectal cancers, whereas no association was found with kidney and prostate cancers. [10][11][12][13] Given that little is known about the nonmalignant comorbidities of asbestosis patients, our aim was to investigate the comorbidities as well as both the underlying and immediate causes of death of patients with asbestosis. Furthermore, the association of the most common comorbidities with the prognosis of asbestosis patients was evaluated.…”