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Cadmium Exposure and Risk of Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Monireh Sadat Seyyedsalehi1, Lorenzo Ciaccio1, Rosa Francesca Marra1
1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
La Medicina Del Lavoro
|June 24, 2026
Summary
This study found that cadmium exposure is linked to a higher risk of pancreatic cancer, especially from occupational sources. Further research is needed to confirm the causal relationship and understand dose-response effects.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Oncology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Pancreatic cancer has a poor prognosis and limited treatment options.
- Environmental factors, including heavy metals like cadmium, are suspected contributors to pancreatic cancer.
- This study systematically reviews the link between cadmium exposure and pancreatic cancer risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between cadmium exposure from various sources and pancreatic cancer incidence or mortality.
- To synthesize evidence from existing studies through a meta-analysis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search following PRISMA guidelines across PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus.
- Inclusion of 18 studies with 20 risk estimates, analyzed using random-effects meta-analyses.
- Assessment of dose-response relationships via meta-regression and publication bias using funnel plots and Egger's test.
Main Results:
- Overall cadmium exposure showed a significant association with increased pancreatic cancer risk (RR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.28-2.22).
- Occupational exposure demonstrated the most consistent association (RR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.19-1.61).
- Higher risk was observed in men and in case-control studies; no linear dose-response trend was found.
Conclusions:
- Cadmium exposure is associated with pancreatic cancer risk, particularly from occupational and biomarker-indicated exposures.
- Findings suggest a potential causal link, but heterogeneity and limited data warrant cautious interpretation.
- Further investigation into dose-response and confounding factors is recommended.
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