Gastrin and colon cancer. Clarifying the controversy

Controversy exists about the relationship between hypergastrinemia and colon cancer. Conflicting lines of evidence may be interpreted to support a variety of views regarding the link between the two. Although some experimental and clinical data suggest a strong correlation, other studies refute this. It is likely that the actual situation lies between these two viewpoints; the complex nature of the relationship between carcinogenesis and putative gut hormones makes a definitive answer unlikely. Nevertheless, a critical reading of the recent literature suggests that hypergastrinemia does not play a direct role in colorectal carcinogenesis. Certain subgroups of patients with elevated serum gastrin levels and tumors that possess gastrin receptors may have accelerated tumor growth. Further study of this issue is warranted to elucidate the role of the gastrointestinal hormonal milieu in colorectal neoplasia.