Allergies, Asthma, Eczema Associated With Lower Risk of Brain Cancer Glioma

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If you are one of the many unfortunate people who has allergy, asthma and eczema, you may feel a bit thankful once you discover that these illnesses are associated with lower risk of brain cancer glioma. According to a new study, people who suffer from these illnesses are less likely to develop glioma.

The study was published online in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention on Feb. 5 and was conducted by a group of international researchers led by the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center of Baylor College of Medicine.

The researchers found out that people with eczema or respiratory allergies have 30 percent less chances of developing the brain cancer, compared to those who don't suffer those allergic illnesses, the news release from the college stated.

To come up with their findings, the researchers gathered data from over 4,500 patients who had glioma and compared them to 4,171 patients who don't have brain cancer. The participants were asked about their past medical history and what exposure they have when it comes to their jobs. They were also asked about their allergy profile.

Researchers then found that the aforementioned allergy disorders were associated with lowered risk for glioma. The findings confirm previous studies that reported the same results.

Dr. Melissa Bondy, associate director for cancer prevention and population science at the cancer center, said in the release that the latest findings add evidence to the existing studies that show the inverse relationship of allergies and glioma.

"Many other studies have shown this relationship," Bondy said. "We sought to verify this relationship in the largest study to date so that we could provide a scientific consensus statement on the topic. We feel it's now time for the next steps to be taken in this research area."

With the findings, researchers now need to figure out or explain how allergies, eczema and asthma become a protective condition.

The American Brain Tumor Association uses the term glioma to describe tumors that grow from the supportive tissue found in the brain. This tissue is responsible for keeping the neurons in their place and helping it function well.

According to the college release, the study only confirms that there is a need for scientists to gain a better understanding on the relationship of allergies and brain cancer. Knowing why such relationship exists would be an interesting subject to be studied by a community of brain specialists, Bondy and Dr. E. Susan Amirian, an assistant professor at the center, said.