Association between exposure to pesticides and brain cancer in adults: a systematic review

This systematic review aimed to critically evaluate the association between pesticide exposure and the brain tumors in adults, taking into account epidemiological evidence, biologically plausible mechanisms, and public health implications. A systematic search of international databases, including PubMed, SciELO, Embase, and MEDLINE, was conducted for the period from January 2012 through January 2025, using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, with the inclusion of epidemiological studies and systematic reviews. The available evidence indicated associations between exposure to specific pesticide classes, particularly carbamates and organophosphates, and increased brain tumor risk, especially for gliomas and meningiomas, with relevant findings reported in large studies such as AGRIculture & CANcer (AGRICAN) and CERENAT. Proposed biological mechanisms supporting the plausibility of these associations include oxidative stress, genetic damage, epigenetic alterations, and chronic inflammation. However, important methodological limitations remain, particularly regarding exposure assessment and adequate control for confounding. Taken together, these findings suggest that prolonged occupational exposure to certain pesticides may be associated with an increased risk of central nervous system tumors, highlighting the need for preventive measures, more stringent regulatory oversight, and further studies incorporating more accurate exposure assessment methods.