Angiotensin receptor blocker use and gastro-oesophageal cancer survival: a population-based cohort study

J Busby1, Ú McMenamin1, A Spence1

  • 1Centre for Public Health, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.

Insights

Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) use was associated with moderately reduced gastro-oesophageal cancer mortality. Long-term ARB use showed a significant survival benefit in this patient cohort.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are used for hypertension, heart failure, and diabetic neuropathy.
  • Pre-clinical studies suggest ARBs may inhibit cancer progression, particularly gastric cancer.
  • Limited epidemiological data exists on ARB use and gastro-oesophageal cancer survival.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between ARB use after diagnosis and survival in gastro-oesophageal cancer patients.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 5124 gastro-oesophageal cancer patients diagnosed between 1998-2012 was analyzed.
  • Data linkage included cancer registries, prescription records, and mortality data.
  • Time-dependent Cox-regression models assessed cancer-specific mortality risk in ARB users versus non-users.

Main Results:

  • Post-diagnosis ARB use was linked to a moderately reduced risk of gastro-oesophageal cancer mortality (HR=0.83).
  • A dose-response relationship was observed, with prolonged ARB use (≥2 years) showing the greatest survival benefit (HR=0.42).

Conclusions:

  • This study suggests ARB use may improve survival in gastro-oesophageal cancer patients.
  • Further independent studies with detailed staging information are needed for confirmation.
Abstract

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