Investigation of bias related to differences between case and control interview dates in five INTERPHONE countries

Abstract

Purpose: Associations between cellular telephone use and glioma risk have been examined in several epidemiological studies including the 13-country INTERPHONE study. Although results showed no positive association between cellular telephone use and glioma risk overall, no increased risk for long-term users, and no exposure-response relationship, there was an elevated risk for those in the highest decile of cumulative call time. However, results may be biased as data were collected during a period of rapidly increasing cellular telephone use, and as controls were usually interviewed later in time than cases.

Methods: Further analyses were conducted in a subset of five INTERPHONE study countries (Australia, Canada, France, Israel, New Zealand) using a post hoc matching strategy to optimize proximity of case-to-control interview dates and age.

Results: Although results were generally similar to the original INTERPHONE study, there was some attenuation of the reduced odds ratios and stronger positive associations among long-term users and those in the highest categories for cumulative call time and number of calls (eighth-ninth and 10th decile).

Conclusions: Proximity and symmetry in timing of case-to-control interviews should be optimized when exposure patterns are changing rapidly with time.

Keywords: Case-control study; Cellular telephone; Glioma; Matching.