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Cancer after exposure to metronidazole
C M Beard1, K L Noller, W M O'Fallon
1Section of Clinical Epidemiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
Mayo Clinic Proceedings
|February 1, 1988
Summary
This study found no significant increase in cancer risk for women treated with metronidazole for vaginal trichomoniasis. Long-term follow-up showed no overall increase in cancer morbidity or mortality associated with this common antibiotic treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacovigilance
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Metronidazole is a widely used antibiotic for treating infections like vaginal trichomoniasis.
- Concerns exist regarding potential long-term health effects, including cancer, following metronidazole exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term risk of cancer occurrence in women treated with metronidazole for vaginal trichomoniasis.
- To evaluate cancer morbidity and mortality rates in a cohort exposed to metronidazole.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 771 women treated with metronidazole (1960-1969) was followed for 12,628 person-years.
- Standardized morbidity and mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated using Rochester and SEER data.
- Cancer risk was analyzed by site and adjusted for smoking status.
Main Results:
- Overall SMRs for all cancer sites were slightly elevated but not statistically significant (1.2-1.5).
- A significantly elevated SMR was observed for bronchogenic carcinoma after adjusting for smoking (SMR=2.5).
- No significant increase in overall cancer-related morbidity or mortality was detected.
Conclusions:
- Long-term exposure to metronidazole for vaginal trichomoniasis does not appear to significantly increase overall cancer risk.
- While a specific increase in lung cancer risk was noted, this requires further investigation, especially considering smoking as a confounder.