P14.06 * MOBI-KIDS STUDY: EXPOSURE TO COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES AND BRAIN TUMOUR RISK IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

The rapid worldwide increase in mobile phone use and the often controversial results of the studies on their possible health effects has generated considerable concern in the public, especially when considering the increasing exposure of children and adolescents. MOBI-Kids, a prospective case-control study conducted in 15 countries and spanning a target population of almost 40 million individuals, was initiated to assess the potential effects of exposure to radiofrequency fields (RF) and extremely low frequency fields (ELF) from mobile phones on the development of central nervous system tumours among people aged 10 to 24 years old. This study faces a high level of complexity and methodological challenges, including the need to reduce potential bias, heterogeneity of the malignancies affecting people in this age range, strict ethic legislations, and assessment of exposure to RF and ELF. The study builds upon the experience of INTERPHONE, the 13-country study investigating mobile phone use and risk of brain cancer in adults in 2000-2004. It aims to include approximately 1,000 brain tumour cases and 2,000 matched controls. Such numbers will ensure 80% power to detect an increased risk of 40% assuming 10% have used a mobile phone for 10 years or longer. An interview is administered to all participants and their parents to assess lifestyle, residential, occupational and school history, use of communication technologies, exposure to environmental risk factors, medical history and family history of cancer. Reported mobile phone use is validated with phone records provided by operators. Biological samples for DNA isolation are collected in several countries. Clinical data and images needed for diagnosis verification and tumour classification are collected from all available medical files. Tumour images will be mapped on 3D head models by neuroradiologists. MOBI-Kids started on the Feb 1st, 2009, and cases' recruitment is scheduled to finish at the end of 2014. To date, 790 cases and 1958 controls have been identified. Of these, 587 cases and 1059 controls answered the full questionnaire, 101 answered a short non response questionnaire on mobile phone use and socioeconomic status, which will be used to assess potential selection bias. MOBI-Kids results, by contributing to the understanding of potential brain tumour risks associated with the use of mobile phones and other communication technologies among young people, will have a strong impact in terms of public health and protection of the population.