Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 13, 2025
![Chemical-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis Model Using Dimethylbenz[a]Anthracene and 12-O-Tetradecanoyl Phorbol-13-Acetate DMBA-TPA](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F60445.jpg&w=3840&q=50)
Chemical-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis Model Using Dimethylbenz[a]Anthracene and 12-O-Tetradecanoyl Phorbol-13-Acetate DMBA-TPA
Published on: December 19, 2019
Opium as a carcinogen: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Mohammad Zamiri Bidary1,2,3, Mehrdad Sahranavard2,4, Arash Akhavan Rezayat1
1Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Opium consumption significantly increases cancer risk, particularly for respiratory and head and neck cancers. This meta-analysis confirms a strong association between opium use and various malignancies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Previous studies on opium and cancer risk yielded controversial results.
- A lack of consensus necessitated a comprehensive review of existing evidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the association between opium consumption and cancer.
- To quantify the cumulative risk of developing various cancers due to opium use.
Main Methods:
- Searched four major electronic databases (ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase) and two regional databases (Magiran, SID).
- Appraised 34 studies (18,230 individuals) using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS).
- Pooled Odds Ratios (OR) using Comprehensive Meta-analysis (CMA) with random effects models.
Main Results:
- Opium consumption was linked to a significantly increased rate of malignancies (OR = 4.35; 95% CI = 3.36-5.62).
- Subgroup analysis revealed heightened risks for larynx (OR = 9.58), respiratory (OR = 9.02), head and neck (OR = 8.03), and colon cancers (OR = 5.58).
Conclusions:
- Opium consumption is strongly associated with an increased risk of all reported cancer types.
- Further research into the underlying pathophysiology of opium-induced carcinogenesis is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity
Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
Analgesia and Pain Management
Opioid Receptors: Overview
Cancer Survival Analysis
