Association between Asbestos Exposure and the Incidence of Kidney Cancer: a Weight-of-Evidence Evaluation and Meta-analysis

Curr Environ Health Rep. 2023 Dec;10(4):394-409. doi: 10.1007/s40572-023-00415-6.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Occupational asbestos exposure has been extensively linked to various cancers, with ongoing debates regarding its association with kidney cancer. This study aims to investigate the correlation between occupational asbestos exposure and kidney cancer incidence. Additionally, potential influencing factors are analyzed to enhance the comprehension of the relationship between asbestos exposure and kidney cancer.

Recent finding: While asbestos has established strong associations with malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer, its connection to other malignancies such as gastric, colorectal, and kidney cancers remains under scrutiny. The current study presents mixed opinions on the relationship between asbestos exposure and kidney cancer. Our analysis revealed a potential association between asbestos exposure and the incidence of kidney cancer. Notably, among different types of asbestos, exposure to amphibole appeared to be particularly linked to a higher incident risk of kidney cancer.

Keywords: Asbestos; Incidence; Lung cancer; Mesothelioma; Meta-analysis; Occupational Kidney cancer; Systematic review.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Asbestos* / toxicity
  • Asbestos, Amphibole
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / chemically induced
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / complications
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Mesothelioma* / chemically induced
  • Mesothelioma* / epidemiology
  • Occupational Exposure* / adverse effects

Substances

  • Asbestos
  • Asbestos, Amphibole