Foetal exposure to toxicants and risk of child cancer

The aim of the study is to clarify if toxic chemical exposure during foetal life causes childhood cancer and underlying mechanisms. The causes of most childhood cancers are not known. Only 8.5% of all cancers in children are caused by germline mutations in genes that increase the risk of cancer. In adults, exposure to environmental factors causes carcinogenic mutations, but much less is known for childhood cancer. Many carcinogens affect cellular redox balance, causing oxidative stress. Chronic inflammation from persistent infections or chemicals is associated with several forms of cancer.
We will for a case-control study use an internationally unique cohort of childhood cancer cases (appr. 1000 cases as of Jan 2021) from southern Sweden, a comprehensive biobank of maternal serum samples taken during pregnancy, and extensive registry data. We will use state-of-the-art mass spectrometry methods to measure organic chemicals, toxic and essential metals, and biomarkers for oxidative stress and inflammation (as markers of underlying mechanisms) in the maternal serum samples. We will use registry data to assess parental carcinogenic occupational exposure (to metals, solvents, and pesticides), family history of cancer, maternal smoking, use of prescription medicine, radiation early in life, IVF treatment and by GIS (geographical information system) models exposure to air pollution during foetal life. By using these unique biobank and registry data, we can clarify the relationship between foetal exposure to carcinogens and risk of childhood cancer. This knowledge, in turn, will help efforts to prevent childhood cancer.