Updated meta-analysis on the risk of melanoma associated with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are the first-line treatment for erectile dysfunction, with modest adverse effects. Since 2011, concerns have arisen about increased melanoma risk in PDE5 inhibitor users. PDE5 inhibitors affect the rat sarcoma virus oncogene-rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma-mitogen-activated protein kinase-extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling cascade, which is involved in melanoma formation. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigates melanoma risk in PDE5 inhibitor users. PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase were searched to examine the relationship between PDE5 inhibitors and melanoma. A random-effects model estimated pooled odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs), with the I ² statistic assessing heterogeneity. RStudio v4.4.2 was used for the meta-analysis, and a P value less than 0.05 was deemed significant. Eight studies including 7 620 765 patients were analyzed, with 2 123 165 (27.86%) comprising the PDE5 inhibitor-exposed group. The meta-analysis found a relationship between PDE5 inhibitor use and increased melanoma risk [OR: 1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13-2.27, P = 0.009, I ² = 98%] and [HR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.03-1.17, P = 0.005, I ² = 43%]. When each PDE5 inhibitor was examined separately, increased melanoma incidence was observed, though not statistically significant. The OR for sildenafil was 1.85 (95% CI: 0.97-3.51, P = 0.059, I ² = 99%), tadalafil 1.54 (95% CI: 0.79-3.00, P = 0.203, I ² = 96%), and vardenafil 1.16 (95% CI: 0.82-1.64, P = 0.391, I ² = 89%). This study suggests PDE5 inhibitor users have a higher chance of developing potentially fatal melanoma. Patients with a history of skin cancer, a family history of melanoma, or other risk factors should avoid these medications.