Does the Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors Increase the Risk of Pancreatic Cancer? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Epidemiologic Studies

Abstract

Background: One of the most frequently used medications for treating gastrointestinal disorders is proton pump inhibitor (PPI), which reportedly has potential adverse effects. Although the relationship between the use of PPIs and the risk of pancreatic cancer has been extensively investigated, the results remain inconsistent. Hence, this meta-analysis aimed to evaluate such relationship. Methods: We searched for literature and subsequently included 10 studies (seven case–control and three cohort studies; 948,782 individuals). The pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for pancreatic cancer were estimated using a random-effects model. We also conducted sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis. Results: The pooled OR of the meta-analysis was 1.698 (95% CI: 1.200–2.402, p = 0.003), with a substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 98.75%, p Conclusion: PPI use may be associated with the increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Hence, caution is needed when using PPIs among patients with a high risk of pancreatic cancer.

Keywords

• proton pump inhibitor
• pancreatic cancer
• pancreatic neoplasm
• meta-analysis