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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
A Mouse Model of Incompletely Resected Soft Tissue Sarcoma for Testing (Neo)adjuvant Therapies
Published on: July 28, 2020
Metaanalysis of 4 Swedish case-control studies on exposure to pesticides as risk-factor for soft-tissue sarcoma
L Hardell1, M Eriksson, A Degerman
1UMEA UNIV HOSP,DEPT ONCOL,S-90185 UMEA,SWEDEN. LINKOPING UNIV HOSP,DEPT OCCUPAT MED,S-58185 LINKOPING,SWEDEN.
Abstract:
In four previous case-control studies we have shown an association between exposure to phenoxyacetic acids or chlorophenols and soft-tissue sarcoma (STS). These chemicals are contaminated by dioxins and dibenzofurans, some of which are known carcinogens in experimental animals. In a meta-analysis of our four studies we studied such exposure including the relation to tumour localization and histopathological type of STS. In total 434 histopathologically verified STS cases and 948 controls were included. Anatomical tumour localization was assessed by scrutinizing medical records for all cases. In the analysis stratification was made for age, vital status and study. Significantly increased risks were obtained for exposure to phenoxyacetic acids and chlorophenols, odds ratios 2.7 and 3.3, 95% confidence intervals 1.9-4.7 and 1.8-6.1, respectively. The increased risk was independent of histopathological subtype and anatomical site although especially high odds ratios were obtained for body sites close to areas where dermal contact may occur in sprayers. Phenoxyacetic acids and chlorophenols with their contaminating dioxins and dibenzofurans should be regarded as carcinogenic for STS regardless of tumour localization and histopathological type.
Insights
Exposure to phenoxyacetic acids and chlorophenols is linked to soft-tissue sarcoma (STS). This association holds true regardless of tumor type or location, suggesting these chemicals are carcinogenic for STS.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Epidemiology
- Toxicology
- Oncology
Background:
- Previous case-control studies indicated a link between phenoxyacetic acids/chlorophenols and soft-tissue sarcoma (STS).
- These chemicals can be contaminated with dioxins and dibenzofurans, known animal carcinogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis of four previous studies examining the association between phenoxyacetic acid and chlorophenol exposure and STS.
- To investigate the relationship between such exposures, tumor localization, and histopathological type of STS.
Main Methods:
- Meta-analysis of 434 histopathologically verified STS cases and 948 controls from four case-control studies.
- Stratified analysis by age, vital status, and study.
- Tumor localization assessed via medical record review.
Main Results:
- Significantly increased risks for STS were observed with exposure to phenoxyacetic acids (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.9-4.7) and chlorophenols (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.8-6.1).
- The elevated risk was consistent across histopathological subtypes and anatomical sites.
- Higher odds ratios were noted for body sites near potential dermal contact areas for sprayers.
Conclusions:
- Phenoxyacetic acids and chlorophenols, including their dioxin/dibenzofuran contaminants, should be considered carcinogenic for STS.
- The carcinogenic risk for STS is independent of tumor localization and histopathological type.
