LIFESTYLE AND MEDICAL RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH MYELOPROLIFERATIVE NEOPLASMS: RESULTS FROM THE PILOT MOSAICC STUDY.

Introduction Despite the identification of numerous genetic mutations for the Classic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs), including polycythaemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythaemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF), a paucity of information relating to medical and lifestyle factors contributing to the aetiology of these diseases remains. Methods The MOSAICC Study recruited MPN patients, population controls (identified by General Practitioners) and non-blood relative/friend controls. Participants completed a telephone-based questionnaire seeking information on a range of medical, environmental, lifestyle and occupational risk factors. Risk factors were assessed using unconditional logistic regression with adjustment for potential confounders. Results Risk factors identified included lower socioeconomic class (social class 5:1: odds ratio (OR) 2.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-5.34), childhood household crowding (p=0.027), smoking [≥20 pack years vs. never: OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.04-4.74] and CT scans (≥3 vs. none: OR 5.37, 95% CI 1.67-17.3). MPN cases were less likely to drink alcohol (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.26-0.85) and paint (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.25-0.78). Occupational exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, radiation and solvent exposure also appeared to increase risk of MPNs (p<0.05). Conclusions As per previous research smoking was associated with an increased risk of MPNs. Potential novel risk factors including work-based radiation and solvent exposures have been identified. A large co-ordinated aetiological investigation of MPNs is warranted.