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Cholelithiasis and pancreatic cancer. A case-control study
A Schattner1, G Fenakel, S D Malnick
1Department of Medicine, Kaplan Hospital, Rehovot, Israel.
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
|February 6, 1998
Summary
This study found a significant association between gallstones (cholelithiasis) and pancreatic cancer. Patients with pancreatic cancer had a higher prevalence of gallstones, suggesting a potential link requiring further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Gallstones (cholelithiasis) are common and have been implicated in other biliary-pancreatic tract cancers.
- The relationship between gallstones and pancreatic cancer requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential association between gallstones and the occurrence of pancreatic cancer.
- To determine if gallstone prevalence differs significantly between pancreatic cancer patients and a matched control group.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case-control study design was employed.
- Abdominal ultrasounds were reviewed for 100 pancreatic cancer cases and 140 age- and gender-matched controls.
- Observers assessing ultrasounds were blinded to patient diagnoses.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher prevalence of gallstones was observed in pancreatic cancer patients (37%) compared to controls (16%) (p < 0.001).
- This association remained significant across different genders and age groups, including those 65 and older.
- The relative risk of gallstones in pancreatic cancer patients was 2.2 (95% CI, 1.2-4.3).
Conclusions:
- Patients with pancreatic cancer exhibit a higher prevalence of gallstone disease than expected.
- While not establishing causality, the findings support further research into gallstones as a potential risk factor for pancreatic cancer.
- The established role of gallstones in other biliary-pancreatic cancers warrants consideration of this link.