Risk factors for kidney cancer and socio-occupational category: significant impact of chlorinated solvents (UroCCR 111).

Abstract

Introduction: The rising incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a significant concern in cancer research. This study analyses the characteristics of RCC patients based on their socio-professional category and explores the role of chlorinated solvents as a risk factor.

Materials and methods: A multicentre, descriptive epidemiological study was conducted using the UroCCR database. All patients from participating centres who had been diagnosed with RCC between July 2021 and February 2023, as well as those seen for follow-up consultation during this period, were included. Patients were categorised into 5 socio-professional groups based on INSEE's Profession and Social Categories classification. The characteristics and risk factors of RCC for each group were compared. Binary logistic regression was used to study the exposure to chlorinated solvents and risk factors for clear cell RCC (ccRCC).

Results: A total of 1252 patients were included. Males made up 69.6% of the population. The median age was 64 years, and 87% of the patients had at least one RCC risk factor. ccRCC, papillary, and chromophobe types accounted for 78%, 14.9%, and 8.5% of the population, respectively. The median tumor size was 4.5 cm (SD = 3.3). Farmers had a higher prevalence of ccRCC (91.3%; p = 0.05) and larger tumors (median = 6 cm SD = 3.23; p = 0.038) than patients from other populations. Smoking and obesity rates were lower (10.1%; p < 0.001; 15.9%, p = 0.018, respectively), but exposure to chlorinated solvents was higher (50.7%; p < 0.001). Exposure to chlorinated solvents was independently associated with higher TNM stages (p = 0.044, OR = 1.41 CI (1.01; 1.96)). Obesity and exposure to chlorinated solvents were independent risk factors for ccRCC (p = 0.006, OR = 1.6 CI (1.1;2.2) and p = 0.028, OR = 1.6 CI (1.1;2.6), respectively).

Conclusion: This study shows the influence of socio-professional categories on exposure to RCC risk factors and tumor characteristics. In particular, farmers stood out from the rest of the study population. Their significant exposure to chlorinated solvents could be an interesting factor to investigate.