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Contamination of poliovirus vaccines with simian virus 40 (1955-1963) and subsequent cancer rates

H D Strickler1, P S Rosenberg, S S Devesa

  • 1Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md 20852, USA.

JAMA
|February 5, 1998
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Exposure to simian virus 40 (SV40)-contaminated poliovirus vaccine did not increase cancer risk. This study found no significant association between SV40 exposure and ependymomas, osteosarcomas, or mesotheliomas over 30 years later.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Virology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Poliovirus vaccine administered between 1955-1963 contained simian virus 40 (SV40), a polyomavirus found in rare human tumors.
  • SV40 DNA has been detected in human ependymomas, osteosarcomas, and mesotheliomas.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the risk of ependymoma, osteosarcoma, and mesothelioma in individuals exposed to SV40-contaminated poliovirus vaccine during childhood.
  • To determine long-term cancer risks associated with SV40 exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study utilizing data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program and the Connecticut Tumor Registry.
  • Analysis of birth cohorts exposed to SV40-contaminated poliovirus vaccine (1947-1969) compared to unexposed cohorts (1964-1969).
  • Calculation of relative risk (RR) for specific cancers in exposed versus unexposed groups.

Main Results:

  • No significant elevation in ependymoma or other brain cancer rates was observed in SV40-exposed cohorts (RR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.69-1.63 for infants; RR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.57-1.69 for children).
  • Osteosarcoma incidence showed no association with SV40 exposure (RR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.71-1.06 for infants; RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.59-1.22 for children).
  • Mesothelioma association was not statistically significant, though study cohorts have not yet reached peak incidence age.

Conclusions:

  • Over 30 years post-exposure, SV40-contaminated poliovirus vaccine is not linked to increased rates of ependymomas, other brain cancers, osteosarcomas, or mesotheliomas in the US.
  • The study provides reassurance regarding the long-term safety of individuals exposed to SV40-contaminated vaccines.

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