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Regenerative Medicine

Cosmic radiation and cancer: is there a link?

    Rossella Di Trolio

    Unit of Medical Oncology & Innovative Therapy, Department of Melanoma, Sarcoma & Head & Neck Cancers, G Pascale Institute of National Tumor Foundation, Napoli, Italy

    ,
    Giuseppe Di Lorenzo

    Medical Oncology, Department of Endocrinology & Oncology, Federico II University, Napoli, Italy

    ,
    Bruno Fumo

    Ministry of Health, Health Care Navigators Service, Napoli, Italy

    &
    Paolo A Ascierto

    *Author for correspondence:

    E-mail Address: paolo.ascierto@gmail.com

    Unit of Medical Oncology & Innovative Therapy, Department of Melanoma, Sarcoma & Head & Neck Cancers, G Pascale Institute of National Tumor Foundation, Napoli, Italy

    Published Online:https://doi.org/10.2217/fon.15.29

    ABSTRACT 

    Cosmic radiation can cause genetic and cytogenetic damage. Certain occupations including airline pilots and cabin crew are acknowledged to have a greater exposure to cosmic radiation. In a systematic search of MEDLINE, performed from 1990 to 2014, we analyzed clinical studies using the keywords: cosmic radiation, cancer, chromosome aberration, pilots and astronauts. Increased incidence of skin cancers among airline cabin crew has been reported in a number of studies and appears to be the most consistent finding. However, as with other cancers, it is unclear whether increased exposure to cosmic radiation is a factor in the increased incidence or whether this can be explained by lifestyle factors. Further research is needed to clarify the risk of cancer in relation to cosmic radiation.

    Papers of special note have been highlighted as: • of interest; •• of considerable interest

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