Roundup Exposure and Development of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
It has been recently documented that there is an increased risk of development of lymphoma in patients with a history of significant exposures to the commonly used herbicide glyphosate (Roundup). There are multiple studies documenting an association between pesticide and herbicide exposures and a variety of cancers, including NHL—both among those exposed occupationally (e.g., farm workers, pesticide applicators) and from residential use. As noted above, the American Cancer Society lists pesticide exposure as a known risk factor for risk of NHL.
There are also numerous in vitro animal studies that confirm the genotoxic effect of both the Roundup formulation as well as glyphosate itself. In addition, there is a growing number of research studies documenting the in vitro effect of Roundup and glyphosate on genotoxicity and cytotoxic effects in human cell lines. Studies have also shown more diverse effects including altered gene transcription, dysregulation of cell cycle controls, and altered mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, all of which may influence the risks for cancer progression beyond the purely genotoxic and mutational effects of glyphosate or the Roundup formulation.