Selected New, Ongoing, and Prospective Epidemiologic Studies Utilizing
Texas Cancer Registry Data
National Cancer Institute
Cancer Risk in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients and End-Stage Renal Disease: The
Transplant Cancer Match Study
DSHS IRB Application in Progress
This study will link a cohort of organ transplant recipients to cancer registry data to
investigate any increased risk of cancer. Organ transplant recipients must take medication to
counter organ rejection, thus compromising the immune system. Dr. Eric Engels, the primary
investigator, led the NCI study that linked individuals with HIV/AIDS to cancer registry data.
World Trade Center Health Registry
Cancer Incidence and Cancer Mortality in the World Trade Center Health Registry
DSHS IRB Application Approved and Linkage in Progress
Many who where involved in the response and aftermath of the World Trade Center
disaster now suffer from a variety of adverse health conditions. The World Trade Center Health
Registry (WTCHR) currently contains over 71,000 individuals. Due to potential carcinogenic
exposures that may have occurred during the disaster, cancer is a concern among this population.
This study will investigate if there is an excess of cancer among WTCHR registrants and
possible exposure risk factors.
University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio
Creation of a Geo-Referenced Database for the Identification of Priority Areas in Need of
Childhood Leukemia Interventions throughout South Texas
DSHS IRB Application in Progress
Study will examine the incidence, mortality, and impact of childhood leukemia in south
Texas.
University of California, San Francisco/NCRA/CDC
NCRA Workload & Time Management (WTM) Project: Current Practices for the
Hospital Cancer Registry & Central Cancer Registry
DSHS IRB Approved and Data Submitted
The overall objective of this project is to document the staffing requirements necessary to
perform the primary activities of cancer registrars, and to analyze how workload varies as a
function of registry and/or institutional characteristics.
Slone Epidemiology Center/Boston University
Black Women’s Health Study
DSHS IRB Approved and Data Submitted
African American women bear a disproportionate burden or morbidity and mortality in
comparison with white women in the United States. The principle purpose of the study is to
evaluate the influence of important risk factors on the occurrence of breast cancer and other
cancers in African American women.
Rev. 2/5/2016
1 of 3
RTI International/American Cancer Society
The Impact of State Medicaid Copayment Policies on Access to Quality Cancer Treatment
DSHS IRB Approved and Linkage in Progress
The Medicaid program plays a critical role in providing insurance coverage for many low
income beneficiaries who are diagnosed with cancer. This study addresses the impact of state
Medicaid copayment requirements on access to cancer treatment, the impacts of these policies on
patient outcomes, and how these policies affect overall program costs.
University of South Florida
Linking Health Hazards and Environmental Justice: A Case Study in Houston Texas
DSHS IRB Approved – In Progress
This study seeks to investigate health disparities and health outcomes due to exposure to
pollutants released from industrial facilities. The study will utilize recent and more accurate
methodologies to measure pollutants in the air in the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria area.
RTI Health Solutions
Forteo Post-Approval Osteosarcoma Surveillance Study: Case Series
DSHS IRB Approved – First Data Set Submitted
Forteo, a biosynthetic human parathyroid hormone, has been used to treat osteoporosis.
Animal studies have shown an increased risk of osteosarcoma with long-term use of Forteo. This
study will investigate exposure to Forteo in osteosarcoma patients, and document other
characteristics and medical factors in adults with this rare cancer.
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Menigioma: Risk factors and Quality of Life
DSHS IRB Approved – Ongoing
Few studies have examined the risk factors associated with meningioma, the most
frequently reported of primary intra-cranial neoplasms. This study examines the environmental,
genetic, pathologic, and clinical variables associated with meningioma risk.
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology of Gliomas
DSHS IRB Approved – Ongoing
Brain tumors are rare, but have high morbidity and mortality. Malignant gliomas alone
are responsible for approximately 12,000 deaths annually in the United States. This study
investigates and expands what is known regarding genetic predisposition to gliomas, as well as
other etiology.
National Cancer Institute
NIH-AARP Diet & Health Study
DSHS IRB Approved – Ongoing
This study, which is being conducted by Westat under contract to the National Cancer
Institute (NCI), is designed to prospectively examine the relationship between diet and major
cancers (especially those of the breast, large bowel and prostate) in a sample of early to late
middle-aged men and women in the United States.
Rev. 2/5/2016
2 of 3
Texas Veterinary Medical Center
Texas A&M University
Spatial Modeling of Adverse Health outcomes Attributable to Fetal Environmental
DSHS IRB Approved – Ongoing
A number of adverse health outcomes have been attributed to fetal toxic exposures. These
adverse health outcomes include conditions present at birth and conditions occurring later in life
such as childhood cancer. The risks for these adverse outcomes will be mapped in order to
investigate possible environmental toxic exposures that pregnant women encountered due to
their living location.
University of Pittsburgh/Pratt and Whitney
Epidemiology and Biostatistical Component of the Pratt & Whitney Cohort Mortality and
Cancer Incidence Study
DSHS IRB Approved – Ongoing
In May 2000, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CDH) began an
investigation of a suspected cluster of brain cancer at the Pratt & Whitney (P&W) engine
manufacturing plant in North Haven, CT. By August 2001, the CDH investigation had identified
14 cases of primary, malignant brain cancer, all of which were confirmed by the CT Tumor
Registry Program. All cases occurred among white male workers, and 12 of the 14 cases were of
a common type (glioblastoma). This study seeks to use other state cancer registries to identify
former employees of the P&W workforce who have been diagnosed with brain tumors, and
determine whether the total number of observed cases and/or deaths is greater than the number
expected based on standardized comparisons.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Health Charities, Houston
Breast Health Collaborative: Breast Health Information Web Portal
DSHS IRB Approved – Ongoing
The purpose of the project is to develop a geographically-based website that allows those
who serve the underserved to refer clients needing breast health services to health providers.
University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston/NCI
Hazardous Air Pollutants and Lymphohematopoietic Cancer Incidence in Houston, 19952005
DSHS IRB Approved – Ongoing
The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between air pollution and
lymphohematopoietic cancer incidence in Harris and seven surrounding counties, with particular
emphasis on the roles of benzene, 1,3-butadiene and styrene.
Rev. 2/5/2016
3 of 3