Shared Predispositions of Parkinsonism and Cancer A Population-Based Pedigree-Linked Study Shared Predispositions of Parkinsonism and Cancer

Kareus SA, Figueroa KP, Cannon-Albright LA, et al. — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Objective

To use a statewide population-based genealogic database to evaluate the relationship between Parkinson disease (PD) and cancer subtypes.

Design

Using a computerized genealogy for the Utah pioneers and their descendants linked to a statewide cancer registry and statewide death certificates, we estimated relative risks for cancer in individuals with PD listed on their death certificate, and in their first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree relatives.

Setting

Utah Cancer Registry.

Participants

Approximately 2.3 million individuals in the Utah genealogic resource, including death certificates of 2998 individuals with PD listed as a cause of death from 1904 to 2008 and information on 100 817 individuals with a cancer diagnosis in the Utah Cancer Registry.

Results

Melanoma and prostate cancer were the only cancers observed in significant excess among PD cases; colorectal, lung, pancreas, and stomach cancers were observed in deficit. A significantly increased risk for prostate cancer was observed in the PD population as well as among their relatives. A reciprocal significantly increased risk for PD was also found in the 22 147 prostate cancer cases and their relatives. A significantly elevated risk for melanoma was found in the Utah PD population as well as in their relatives. A reciprocal significantly increased relative risk for PD was found in 7841 Utah melanoma cases and their relatives.

Conclusions

Our study identified a novel association between PD and prostate cancer, which extended to first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree relatives. We also confirmed the reported risk association for melanoma in patients with PD; we extended the finding to include a significantly increased risk in relatives. These results strongly support a genetic link. This conclusion is further strengthened by observation of the reciprocal relationship, an increased risk for PD in relatives of individuals with melanoma or prostate cancer.

Families With Parkinson Disease and Cancer Families With Parkinson Disease and Cancer

Rocca WA. — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

We are reaching the convergence of 2 important lines of research on the etiology of Parkinson disease (PD). The first line involves the accumulation of evidence on the familial aggregation of multiple neurodegenerative diseases, including PD. The second line involves the accumulation of evidence on the association of PD with a decreased risk of some types of cancer and an increased risk of some other types of cancer, primarily melanoma.

JAMA Neurology: Melanoma Topic Collection

Shared Predispositions of Parkinsonism and Cancer A Population-Based Pedigree-Linked Study Shared Predispositions of Parkinsonism and Cancer

Families With Parkinson Disease and Cancer Families With Parkinson Disease and Cancer