Although few etiologic factors for brain tumors have been identified, limited data suggest that lead may increase the risk of brain tumors, particularly meningioma. The ALAD G177C polymorphism affects the toxicokinetics of lead and may confer genetic susceptibility to adverse effects of lead exposure.
Division of Cancer Epidemiology Branch, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Department of Health and Human Services, 6120 Executive Boulevard, EPS Room 7085, Bethesda, MD 20892-7238, USA. rajarama@mail.nih.gov