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Risk of skin cancer from hydrochlorothiazide and other diuretics across races: A global cohort study
Chaw-Ning Lee1, Shih-Chieh Shao2, Chao-Chun Yang3
1Departments of Dermatology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; School of Pharmacy, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Population Health Data Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
Background:
Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) has been linked to increased skin cancer risk. However, comparative evidence across racial groups remains limited. Using TriNetX, a global database, we evaluated the association between thiazide diuretic use and skin cancer risk across whites and other races within a single analytic platform, including both HCTZ and non-HCTZ thiazides.
Objective:
To determine if the skin cancer risk associated with thiazide diuretics varies by racial group.
Methods:
Using the TriNetX platform, we analyzed adults with newly treated hypertension, applying propensity score matching for baseline covariates, and calculated adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for skin cancers.
Results:
Comparing to non-diuretic antihypertensive drug (NDAH) use, HCTZ increased the risk of keratinocyte carcinomas (KC) (aHR 1.44), squamous cell carcinoma (aHR 1.67), basal cell carcinoma (aHR 1.43), and malignant melanoma (aHR 1.54) only in the White population. No increased risk was found in the Asian, Hispanic, or Black populations. Chlorthalidone showed a similar pattern for KC, with increased event rates only in the White population.
Conclusion:
HCTZ is associated with an increased risk of skin cancers only among whites, while similar associations were not observed in other races. These findings may be considered when prescribing thiazide diuretics in this population.
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