The CARET asbestos-exposed cohort: baseline characteristics and comparison to other asbestos-exposed cohorts

Barnhart, S; Keogh, J; Cullen, MR; Brodkin, C; Liu, D; Goodman, G; Valanis, B; Glass, A; Thornquist, M; Rosenstock, L; Omenn, G; Balmes, J

HERO ID

2078961

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

1997

Language

English

PMID

9358912

HERO ID 2078961
In Press No
Year 1997
Title The CARET asbestos-exposed cohort: baseline characteristics and comparison to other asbestos-exposed cohorts
Authors Barnhart, S; Keogh, J; Cullen, MR; Brodkin, C; Liu, D; Goodman, G; Valanis, B; Glass, A; Thornquist, M; Rosenstock, L; Omenn, G; Balmes, J
Journal American Journal of Industrial Medicine
Volume 32
Issue 6
Page Numbers 573-581
Abstract The Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (CARET) was a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the daily administration of 25,000 IU vitamin A and 30 mg beta-carotene for the prevention of lung cancer. Of close to 18,500 participants, more than 4,000 were asbestos-exposed men recruited from shipyard and construction trades at five study centers in the United States. While the primary endpoint of the trial was the incidence of lung cancer, a number of questions about the natural history of asbestos-related disease will also be addressed. The mean age at entry into the trial was 57 years and the mean duration of follow-up on active intervention was 4 years. With the exception of 133 never-smoker pilot participants (3%), all subjects recruited were by intention current (38%) or ex-smokers (58%), with a mean cumulative smoking exposure at entry of 43 pack-years. Mean years from first asbestos exposure were 35, and mean duration of asbestos exposure in a high-risk trade was 19 years. The distribution of radiographic abnormalities was as follows: normal, 34%; parenchymal opacities (ILO profusion score > 1/0) alone, 18%; pleural thickening alone, 27%; both parenchymal opacities and pleural thickening, 21%. The CARET cohort, when compared to previously reported asbestos-exposed cohorts, is characterized by substantial asbestos exposure and high proportion of asbestos-related radiographic findings. The active intervention was halted in 1996, after a mean duration of 40 years. Passive follow-up of the cohort will continue until the year 2000.
Doi 10.1002/(SICI)1097-0274(199712)32:6<573::AID-AJIM1>3.0.CO;2-R
Pmid 9358912
Wosid WOS:A1997YE13800001
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword asbestos; smoking; lung function; vitamin A; beta-carotene