Nasopharyngeal Case-Control Study
A case-control study was conducted in Taiwan between 1991-1994 among approximately 1,000 individuals to examine the role of viral, environmental, and genetic factors associated with the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Factors investigated included Epstein Barr Virus, diet, smoking, occupation, HLA, and other polymorphisms. Histologically confirmed incident cases of nasopharyngeal cancer and two controls groups (hospital and community) were recruited. Participants completed an in-depth, in-person risk factor questionnaire that obtained information on adult and childhood exposures. Mothers of cases and controls were also interviewed to obtain information on dietary patterns in early life. Blood, urine, and toe-nail specimens were collected from all participants to allow for molecular assessment of various environmental and genetic factors of interest, and biopsy tissue was obtained from all cases and hospital controls. More information, Allan Hildesheim
Nasopharyngeal Family Study
A family study is currently ongoing in Taiwan to elucidate genetic factors linked to the development of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). Approximately 150 multiplex families with two or more individuals affected with NPC have been identified and are being recruited into our study. Genome-wide genetic screening is planned followed by analyses to identify chromosomal regions that may be linked to NPC. Candidate polymorphic genes (HLA, CYP2E1 and others) are also being tested. A risk factor questionnaire is administered to all participants to allow us to examine the joint effects of genetic and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of NPC. More information, Allan Hildesheim
