Glioblastoma multiforme occurring in a patient following exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls

Polychlorinated biphenyls have been shown to be carcinogens in animal studies. Because of lipid solubility and lack of biodegradation, they are known to deposit preferentially in fat and nervous tissue. In this report, we describe a 31-year-old male with prolonged polychlorinated biphenyls exposure who developed glioblastoma multiforme. Fat biopsy documented the presence of markedly elevated PCB levels. A co-worker also developed a malignant astrocytoma. The nature of PCBs and their role in human carcinogenesis are discussed. The possibility of an etiologic link between PCBs and brain tumors should be further investigated.