Using the population-based Janus serum bank as a 'Time Machine' to explore the relationship between kidney and testicular cancer and exposure to 'Forever Chemicals' PFAS
The project will use samples from the population-based Janus serum bank as a 'Time Machine' to explore the association between kidney and testicular cancer and exposure to 'Forever Chemicals' Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).
About the project
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Project period: 01.01.2024 - 31.12.2029 (Active)
- Coordinating Institution: Norwegian Institute of Public Health
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Project Manager:
- Marcin W. Wojewodzic, Folkehelseinstituttet
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Project Participants:
- Marcin Wlodzimierz Wojewodzic, Folkehelseinstituttet
- Angeline S. Andrew, Dartmouth School of Medicine
- Kristin Haugan, Kreftregisteret, Folkehelseinstituttet
- Marie Udnesseter Lie, Kreftregisteret, Folkehelseinstituttet
- Jan Ivar Martinsen, Kreftregisteret, Folkehelseinstituttet
- Marianne Lauritzen, Kreftregisteret, Folkehelseinstituttet
- Tom Kristian Grimsrud, Kreftregisteret, Folkehelseinstituttet
- Trude Eid Robsahm, Kreftregisteret, Folkehelseinstituttet
- Hilde Langseth, Kreftregisteret, Folkehelseinstituttet
- Trine Husøy, Folkehelseinstituttet
- Dorte Herzke, Folkehelseinstituttet
- Line Småstuen Haug, Folkehelseinstituttet
- Susanna Röblitz, Universitetet i Bergen
- Oliver Robinson, Imperial College London
Summary
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of persistent and bioaccumulative chemicals classified as possibly carcinogenic. Some studies have reported an increased incidence of urological cancers with PFAS exposure, but there is still a lack of evidence at the population level. We aim to study the association between kidney and testicular cancer and PFAS exposure. These cancers have shown increased incidence since PFAS was introduced in Norway. We will use samples from the Janus Serum Bank to measure PFAS levels in historical samples from more than 1,000 patients and an equally large control group. We will also explore associations with occupation and place of residence, as well as potential molecular changes due to PFAS exposure. Using mathematical modeling, we will examine PFAS levels in individuals over time. The goal is to assess the risk posed by PFAS exposure, identify possible exposure biomarkers, and establish reference values for prevention purposes.
Statistics from the Cancer Registry of Norway show that urological cancers are increasing in the Norwegian population. Exposure to environmental factors such as harmful chemicals appears to influence the development of urological cancer to a greater extent than genetic factors. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as "forever chemicals," are a group of persistent and bioaccumulative chemicals that are classified as possibly carcinogenic. Some studies have reported an increased incidence of urological cancer with exposure to PFAS, but clear evidence at the population level is still lacking.
We aim to fill this knowledge gap by investigating the relationship between kidney and testicular cancer and exposure to PFAS. The incidence of these cancers has increased since PFAS was introduced in Norway. We will use blood samples from the 'archive' Janus Serum Bank to go back to the time when PFAS was introduced and measure PFAS levels in historical samples from more than 1,000 patients and an equally large control group. We will also explore associations with occupation and place of residence, as well as potential molecular changes due to PFAS exposure. Using mathematical modeling, we will also examine the dynamics of PFAS levels in individuals over time.
Our goal is to assess the risk that PFAS exposure poses to the population, identify possible exposure biomarkers, and reference values that can help authorities around the world develop preventive strategies.
About the project
Collaborators:
Funding:
Referanselitteratur
Scientific publications
Husøy T, Caspersen IH, Thépaut E, Knutsen H, Haug LS, Andreassen M, Gkrillas A, Lindeman B, Thomsen C, Herzke D, Dirven H, Wojewodzic MW. Comparison of aggregated exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from diet and personal care products with concentrations in blood using a PBPK model - Results from the Norwegian biomonitoring study in EuroMix. Environ Res. 2023 Dec 15;239(Pt 2):117341. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117341. Epub 2023 Oct 14. PMID: 37839534.
The project in the media
- 220 millioner til kreftforskning - Kreftforeningen 2023
- Eksplosiv økning av testikkelkreft - Nettavisen 2024
- Disse matvarene inneholder verstingkjemikalie - Nettavisen 2024
Conference contribution
Miljøgifter i mat og miljø - er vi trygge? - Seminar 2023 (YouTube stream)