Grandpaternal Aging and the Risk of Primary Pediatric Brain Tumors in Grandchildren

Background and Aims: Previous research shows inconclusive evidence of a relationship between grandpaternal and parental aging and the risk of childhood brain tumors. This study aims to estimate the impact of advanced paternal and grandpaternal aging on the incidence of childhood brain tumors in Jordan. Materials and Methods: This case-control study included pediatric primary brain tumor patients and controls, matched by age and gender, ascertained from the Jordanian Cancer Registry (JCR). Collected data included patients’ diagnoses and birthdate, along with the ages of parents and paternal grandparents. Results: The study included 183 pediatric brain tumor patients and 127 controls, matched by age and gender (p>0.05). Advanced grandpaternal age, defined as age at fathers' birth greater than 40 years, was present in 31.7% and 17.3% of cases and controls, respectively. Advanced grandpaternal age was associated with a 1.956-fold higher risk of developing all brain tumors (p=.012 (OR=1.956)). In participants with a grandpaternal age older than 30, advanced paternal age had a 6.56-fold increased risk of developing brain tumors (p=0.000, (OR=6.56)), an 8.4-fold increased risk of developing gliomas (p=.000, (OR=8.40)), a 4.1-fold increased risk of developing medulloblastomas (p=.045, (OR=4.1)). Grandpaternal age and advanced grandpaternal age were independent predictors for the incidence of all brain tumors, gliomas and medulloblastomas. Conclusions : Advanced grandpaternal age or a combination of advanced grandpaternal and paternal age, when combined with other risk factors, may help prevent, screen, and aid in early detection of brain tumors in the pediatric population.