Epidemiological evidence: IgE, atopy, and solid tumors

Abstract

Epidemiological investigation into a potential relation between a history of allergic disorders, typically characterized by high levels of IgE, and cancer occurrence has been conducted for at least the past five decades. Recently, there is renewed interest in the field, and the literature is expanding rapidly. This chapter summarizes the epidemiological literature examining the potential relation between allergy and cancer, with a particular focus on the most recent contributions to the field. Although the majority of new and previously published studies evaluated self-reported history of specific allergic disorders (asthma, hay fever, eczema), there were also several new studies examining total or allergen-specific IgE antibodies, hospital discharges for allergic conditions, skin prick tested patients, and allergy-related gene polymorphisms in relation to cancer risk. Although there are a number of inverse relations reported, particularly with pancreatic cancer and glioma, there remain a number of methodological considerations. Further research is recommended in order to better understand the nature of a possible inverse relation and possible mechanisms of action with implications for cancer treatment and prevention. Multidisciplinary collaborations between the population and laboratory-based sciences would be particularly useful. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010. All rights reserved.