Association between pioglitazone use and bladder cancer: A systematic review

Bladder cancer (BC) remains a significant global health concern, and its incidence is influenced by a wide array of factors, including geography, sex, and socioeconomic status.

This systematic review evaluated the potential association between pioglitazone use and the risk of BC. We sought to determine whether pioglitazone, used in diabetes management, is associated with an increased risk of BC by reviewing recent studies.

A comprehensive search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for relevant studies published between January 31, 2018 and July 31, 2024. From an initial pool of 212 articles, 176 were excluded due to failure to meet the inclusion criteria, 24 were removed for inadequate data or unclear conclusions, and six were eliminated due to inaccessibility. Ultimately, six eligible studies were included in the final review.

Of the included studies, two suggested a potential association between pioglitazone use and an increased risk of BC, whereas four reported no statistically significant correlation.

These mixed findings highlight the need for further research that accounts for confounding factors, such as treatment duration and patient demographics. This systematic review emphasizes the importance of cautious interpretation regarding the safety profile of pioglitazone in relation to BC risk.