Adult Leukemia

Summary

Leukemia is a cancer of the blood-forming system and is defined as the uncontrolled proliferation of bone marrow progenitor cells of either myeloid or lymphocytic origin.  The disorders of myeloid origin include acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and myeloproliferative disorders such as chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).  The disorders of lymphoid origin include acute and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (ALL and CLL).  We are trying to determine the relationship between chemical exposures and adult leukemia.  Most adults are exposed occupationally over long periods of time to possible toxicants.  Our most recent meta-analysis provided further evidence for formaldehyde-induced leukemia, particularly myeloid leukemia, in occupationally exposed individuals.  Benzene is a known leukemogen.

Updates

Our most recent meta-analysis of occupationally exposed study subjects suggests that formaldehyde exposure is associated with leukemia, specifically myeloid leukemia.  This publication also provides several potential mechanisms for formaldehyde-induced adult leukemia.

Selected Publications

Schwilk E, Zhang L, Smith MT, Smith AH, Steinmaus C (2010) Formaldehyde and leukemia: An updated meta-analysis and evaluation of bias. J/ Occup Environ Med/. Aug 25 [Epub ahead of print]. PMID: 20798648. [PDF]

Zhang L, Freeman LE, Nakamura J, Hecht SS, Vandenberg JJ, Smith MT, Sonawane BR (2009) Formaldehyde and leukemia: Epidemiology, potential mechanisms, and implications for risk assessment. Environ Mol Mutagen. Sep 29. [Epub ahead of print]. PMID: 19790261. [Abstract]

Zhang L, Steinmaus CM, Eastmond DA, Xin XK, Smith MT (2009) Formaldehyde exposure and leukemia: A new meta-analysis and potential mechanisms. Mutat Res, Mar-Jun;681(2-3):150-68. PMID: 18674636. [Abstract] [Full Text]

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