Mark Purdue

Ph.D.

NCI, DCEG

Senior Investigator

PLCO (Learn more about this study)

2017-0031

Aug 3, 2017

Serum levels of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) and aggressive prostate cancer risk in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial

Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are commonly found in a variety of industrial and consumer products, such as stain-resistant carpets and upholstery, floor waxes, polishes, fire-fighting foam, and oil-resistant coatings on paper products for food storage. They are extremely stable, non-flammable compounds that persist in the environment and can be found in drinking water and fish among other sources. Fire-fighters are particularly at risk for high exposure due to the presence of PFCs in fire-fighting foams. However, many individuals are chronically exposed to PFCs through dietary sources, and PFCs have been detected in the serum of 98% of the U.S. population. Limited animal data suggests that PFCs may be carcinogenic. Although biologic mechanisms are unknown, alterations in hormone-mediated pathways have been hypothesized. Epidemiologic studies have consistently shown an increased risk of prostate cancer among firefighters, and, although the data is not entirely consistent, some studies have suggested that workers at PFOA production facilities may also be at increased risk. We propose to investigate the relationship between serum levels of PFCs and the risk of aggressive prostate cancer in a nested case-control study within the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial using pre-diagnostic serum from approximately 750 aggressive prostate cancer cases and 750 matched controls. Results from this study will help clarify the association between PFC exposure and prostate cancer risk and may lead to further insight into the etiology of prostate cancer.