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The Association Between Serum Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase and Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and
Alireza Ramandi1,2, Jacob George3, Amir Hossein Behnoush2
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
Cancer Medicine
|January 16, 2025
Summary
Elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels are linked to increased gastrointestinal (GI) cancer risk. This meta-analysis confirms higher GGT is associated with a greater incidence of GI cancers, particularly colorectal and liver cancers.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is implicated in various diseases, including cancers.
- Previous research suggests a link between GGT levels and gastrointestinal (GI) cancer incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze studies on the association between GGT levels and GI cancer incidence.
- To provide enhanced insights into the relationship between GGT and digestive system cancers.
Main Methods:
- A systematic search of online databases was conducted for relevant studies.
- A random-effect meta-analysis pooled hazard ratios (HRs) for GGT quartiles (Qs) and GI cancer incidence.
- Included GI cancers: colorectal, esophageal, liver, pancreas, gastric, and biliary duct.
Main Results:
- The meta-analysis included 12 studies covering 11 million patients.
- Higher GGT quartiles (Q2, Q3, Q4) were significantly associated with increased GI cancer incidence.
- Q4 showed a 69% higher hazard (HR 1.69), with significant associations also found for Q3 (HR 1.22) and Q2 (HR 1.10).
- Colorectal and liver cancers showed elevated HRs across Q2-Q4. Pancreatic and biliary duct cancers showed higher HRs only in Q4. Gastric cancer showed significant associations with Q3 and Q4.
Conclusions:
- Elevated GGT levels correlate with increased incidence of GI cancers, notably colorectal and hepatic cancers.
- GGT may serve as a potential biomarker for risk assessment in digestive cancers.
- Further research is warranted to explore GGT's role in cancer risk stratification.
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