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Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and hepatocellular carcinoma incidence in the General Practice Research

Alex J Walker1, Joe West, Matthew J Grainge

  • 1Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, School of Community Health Sciences, Clinical Sciences Building, Nottingham City Hospital, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. mcxajw2@nottingham.ac.uk

Cancer Causes & Control : CCC
|September 13, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors showed no protective effect against liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). This study suggests ACE inhibitors are unlikely to be effective for cancer chemoprevention.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Oncology
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • Laboratory studies suggest angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors possess anticancer properties, including anti-angiogenesis and inhibition of liver cancer growth in animal models.
  • Limited human studies indicate potential therapeutic anticancer effects, necessitating larger investigations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between prior use of ACE inhibitors and the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study utilized the General Practice Research Database.
  • Matched 224 HCC cases with up to 10 controls each based on age, sex, and general practice.

Main Results:

  • No significant association was found between ACE inhibitor use and reduced HCC incidence (OR = 1.16, CI = 0.67-2.00).
  • ACE inhibitor use was slightly higher in HCC cases (7.1%) compared to controls (5.9%).
  • No significant effects were observed regarding dose or duration of ACE inhibitor exposure.

Conclusions:

  • This study found no clear protective effect of ACE inhibitor use against the development of HCC.
  • ACE inhibitors are unlikely to be clinically useful as cancer chemoprevention therapy for liver cancer.

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