Epidemiological findings in a brain-tumor cluster in western Missouri

Abstract

A cluster of seven primary brain neoplasms was identified in a town of 3000 population during the 10-year period from 1973 to 1982. With six deaths, this represents an age-adjusted mortality rate 4.1 times greater than expected. No other neoplasms were found to be in excess of the anticipated incidence in this town. When brain-tumor mortality rates in 36 other towns of approximately the same population were calculated, only one other town was found to have an excessive rate. All seven tumors in this study were histologically verified: six were diagnosed as glioblastoma multiforme. Interviews were conducted with patients or next-of-kin to obtain the exposure histories of the patients. A number of respondents reported occupational or residential exposure either to a shoe factory or to one of the several chicken hatcheries in the town. Many of the patients ate fish from local ponds that had previously been used as coal mining strip pits. Two patients were siblings. None of the patients had a history of significant head trauma. This unique situation may provide an opportunity to learn more about environmental risk factors for brain neoplasia. Further epidemiological studies are planned.