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01-05-2011 | Original paper

Brain tumors and hormonal factors: review of the epidemiological literature

Authors: Anne Cowppli-Bony, Ghislaine Bouvier, Marjory Rué, Hugues Loiseau, Anne Vital, Pierre Lebailly, Pascale Fabbro-Peray, Isabelle Baldi

Published in: Cancer Causes & Control | Issue 5/2011

Abstract

Background

To date, the etiology of primary tumors of the central nervous system (mainly gliomas and meningiomas) is poorly understood. The role of sex hormones has been suggested, based on clinical, experimental, biological, and epidemiological data.

Objective

To review the epidemiological studies on the relation between hormonal factors and the occurrence of glioma and meningioma, in order to identify new research developments.

Methods

Articles published until September 2010 were selected by considering exogenous and endogenous exposures and specific brain tumors. Standardized information was collected from 20 articles: 15 concerning gliomas and 13 meningiomas.

Results

An increased glioma risk was observed with later menarche and menopause, while a reduced glioma risk was observed with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and oral contraceptive use, despite duration of use had no effect on risk. Meningioma risk increased after menopause and with HRT use. No clear association was found with pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Results are globally concordant with the biologic hypothesis assuming that female sex hormones are protective against glioma and may increase the risk of meningioma. However, new epidemiological studies should be conducted in order to confirm these associations and to refine the role of hormonal factors in brain etiology.

CBTRUS. CBTRUS Statistical Report: primary brain and central nervous system tumors diagnosed in the United States in 2004–2006 central braintumor registry of the United States, Hinsdale, IL; 2010 [updated 2010; cited 2010 Aug 20]; Available from: http://www.cbtrus.org/2010-NPCR-SEER/CBTRUS-WEBREPORT-Final-3-2-10.pdf

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Title: Brain tumors and hormonal factors: review of the epidemiological literature
Authors: Anne Cowppli-Bony
Ghislaine Bouvier
Marjory Rué
Hugues Loiseau
Anne Vital
Pierre Lebailly
Pascale Fabbro-Peray
Isabelle Baldi
Publication date: 01-05-2011
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Published in: Cancer Causes & Control / Issue 5/2011
Print ISSN: 0957-5243
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7225
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-011-9742-7

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