Consumption of methylxanthine-containing beverages and risk of pancreatic cancer

This paper reviews published studies of a possible relationship of consumption of methylxanthine-containing beverages, primarily coffee, to risk of pancreatic cancer (PC). Certain ecologic studies suggested a possible relation of pancreatic cancer mortality and coffee consumption by country. The findings from case-control studies are not entirely consistent; in general, no significant increased risk with a clear dose-response relationship is reported, but some of the studies suggest the possibility of some increase in risk. The prospective studies reported generally agree that there is no significant association of coffee consumption with increased risk of PC. The few data available on tea consumption do not suggest an increased risk of PC. It seems reasonable to conclude that current epidemiologic evidence does not suggest any significant increased risk of PC with coffee consumption. Further research might clarify whether the divergent results reported for coffee consumption might be a result of confounding or other methodologic problems or might reflect some small but real increase in risk of PC associated with coffee consumption.