Environmental and Genetic Determinants of NPC

Background: \- Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) a common malignant tumor in southern China and Southeast Asia. Infection with Epstein-Barr virus is believed to be necessary for the development of NPC; non-viral environmental factors, such as dietary consumption of nitrosamines, cigarette smoking, betel nut chewing, wood dust exposure and possibly exposure to formaldehyde, have been implicated in the disease. Genetic susceptibility may also play an important role in the development of NPC. However, more information is needed on the connections between genetic and environmental factors in NPC, particularly in areas where the cancer risk appears to be greatest. Objectives: \- To examine the main effects of genetic factors and environmental exposures (e.g., cigarette smoking, betel nut chewing, formaldehyde, wood dust) on nasopharyngeal carcinoma risk. Eligibility:

• Cases: Individuals at least 21 years of age who have been diagnosed with NPC at one of the participating hospitals and have been residents of northern Taiwan for at least 6 months.
• Controls: Hospital patients with diseases other than NPC at least 21 years of age, matched to NPC patients based on hospital, age at diagnosis, gender, and ethnicity. Design:
• This study involves a risk factor interview, medical record abstraction and biological sample collection.
• Participants will respond to interview questions about their lifestyle and risk factors thought to be involved in NPC development.
• All participants will provide blood and saliva samples for study. Participants who have been diagnosed with NPC will also provide consent to allow researchers to study tissue samples taken during tumor biopsies or surgeries.
• Treatment will not be provided as part of this protocol.