Hodgkin lymphoma prevented by alcohol drinking

11-02-2006

Alcohol consumption could possibly protect against Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) pathogenesis.

"We analysed the effects of tobacco and alcohol in the aetiology of HL, based on 340 cases and 2465 controls enrolled in Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Ireland and Czech Republic, between 1998 and 2004. Current smokers showed a significantly increased odds ratio (OR) of HL of 1.39 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.04-1.87)," scientists reported in the British Journal of Cancer.

"Analyses were also conducted separately for subjects younger than 35 years (179 cases) and for older subjects (161 cases)," explained H. Besson and colleagues, International Agency for Research on Cancer. "For subjects below age 35, no association was observed between tobacco and HL, whereas for older subjects, ever-smokers experienced a doubled risk of HL as compared to never smokers and the OR of HL for current smoking was 2.35 (95% CI=1.52-3.61), with suggestion of a dose response relationship.

"A protective effect of alcohol was observed in both age groups. The OR for ever-regular drinking was 0.58 (95% CI=0.38-0.89) for younger subjects and 0.50 (95% CI=0.34-0.74) for older subjects. There was no evidence of interaction between tobacco and alcohol."

The researchers concluded, "Our results are consistent with previous studies, suggesting a protective effect of alcohol on HL. An effect of tobacco was suggested for HL occurring in middle and late age, although this finding might have occurred by chance."

Besson and colleagues published their study in British Journal of Cancer (Tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking and Hodgkin's lymphoma: a European multi-centre case-control study (EPILYMPH). Br J Cancer, 2006;95(3):378-384).

Additional information can be obtained by contacting P. Brennan, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 150 Cours Albert Thomas, F-69372 Lyon 8, France.

The publisher of the British Journal of Cancer can be contacted at: Nature Publishing Group, Macmillan Building, 4 Crinan St., London N1 9XW, England.

Keywords: Lyon, France, Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Etiology, Tobacco, Alcohol, Europe, Oncology, Lymphoma, Diet & Nutrition, Smoking, Cancer Prevention.

This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.