Spatial-temporal analysis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the NCI-SEER NHL case-control study
2011

Study of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Risk and Residential History

Sample size: 1321 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Wheeler David C, De Roos Anneclaire J, Cerhan James R, Morton Lindsay M, Severson Richard, Cozen Wendy, Ward Mary H

Primary Institution: National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Hypothesis

There would be significant spatial clusters of NHL cases due to unmeasured environmental risk factors, and earlier residential locations would model NHL risk better than residence at diagnosis.

Conclusion

The study found significant spatial clusters of NHL after considering disease latency and residential mobility.

Supporting Evidence

  • Statistically significant areas of elevated risk of NHL were found in Detroit, Iowa, and Los Angeles.
  • The best model fit was for residential locations 20 years prior to diagnosis.
  • Clusters in Detroit and Iowa were detected at several time points.

Takeaway

The researchers looked at where people lived 20 years before they got sick to see if it affected their chances of getting non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and they found some areas where people were more likely to get sick.

Methodology

A population-based case-control study using generalized additive models to analyze residential histories and identify clusters of NHL risk.

Potential Biases

Potential selection bias affecting the representativeness of cases and controls.

Limitations

The study may have selection bias due to low response rates among cases and controls.

Participant Demographics

Participants included 1,321 NHL cases aged 20 to 74 years, with a mix of demographics across four SEER areas.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.03

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1476-069X-10-63

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