Epidemiological study (observational study)

Magnetic field exposure and long-term survival among children with leukaemia epidem.

By: Foliart DE, Pollock BH, Mezei G, Iriye R, Silva JM, Ebi KL, Kheifets L, Link MP, Kavet R

Published in: Br J Cancer 2006; 94 (1): 161-164

Aim of study (acc. to author)

A cohort study was conducted in the USA to investigate the association between magnetic field exposure and survival among children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

Further details

The event-free survival (the time from diagnosis to first treatment failure, relapse, secondary malignancy, or death) and the overall survival were evaluated to observe the progress of the disease.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

childhood leukemia: acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)

Type of risk estimation:

mortality

(event-free survival harzard ratio, survival)

Exposure

- 50/60 Hz
- magnetic field
- inhouse wiring
- residential

Assessment

Type of assessment: Individual
interview: residence history
measurement: 24 h personal monitoring: 1st measurement shortly after enrollment, 2nd measurement beginning of 2nd year, 3rd measurement beginning of 3rd year

Exposure groups

Group	Description
Group 1	magnetic field exposure: < 0.1 µT
Group 2	magnetic field exposure: 0.1-0.19 µT
Group 3	magnetic field exposure: 0.2-0.29 µT
Group 4	magnetic field exposure: ≥ 0.3 µT

Population

Group:
- children
Age: 1–15 years
Characteristics: B-cursor, T-cell, and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Observation period: beginning in September 1996 - January 2001; event free time tracked until December 2004
Study location: USA
Data source: Pediatric Oncology Group, USA

Study size

Type	Value
Total	1,672
Eligible	482
Participants	471
Evaluable	386

Other:

median duration of follow-up: 5.07 years

Statistical analysis method:

Cox proportional regressions analysis
Kaplan-Meier estimation

Results (acc. to author)

The event-free survival harzard ratio for children with magnetic field measurements ≥ 0.3 µT was elevated (based on 5 cases): For overall survival, the hazard risk was significantly increased (based on 4 cases).

Limitations (acc. to author)

The small numbers (19 children exposed to magnetic field ≥ 0.3 µT ) limit inferences for the results.

Study funded by

Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), USA
Electricité de France (EDF)

Comments on this article

Foliart DE et al. (2006): Magnetic field exposure and long-term survival among children with leukaemia (Corrigendum)

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