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Do inhibitors of angiotensin-I-converting enzyme protect against risk of cancer?
A F Lever1, D J Hole, C R Gillis
1Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Glasgow, Western Infirmary, UK.
Background:
Previous studies have reported an increased risk of cancer with calcium-channel blockers in man. Other work in animals suggests that inhibitors of angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) protect against cancer. We aimed to assess the risk of cancer in hypertensive patients receiving ACE inhibitors or other antihypertensive drugs.
Methods:
Our retrospective cohort study was based on the records of 5207 patients who attended the Glasgow Blood Pressure Clinic between Jan 1, 1980, and Dec 31, 1995. The patients' records are linked with the Registrar General Scotland and the West of Scotland Cancer Registry.
Findings:
Compared with the West of Scotland controls, the relative risks of incident and fatal cancer among the 1559 patients receiving ACE inhibitors were 0.72 (95% CI 0.55-0.92) and 0.65 (0.44-0.93). Among the 3648 patients receiving antihypertensive drugs other than ACE inhibitors (calcium-channel blockers 1416, diuretics 2099, beta-blockers 2681), the corresponding relative risks were 110 (0.97-1.22) and 1.03 (0.87-1.20). The relative risk of cancer was lowest in women on ACE inhibitors: 0.63 (0.41-0.93) for incident cancer; 0.48 (0.23-0.88) for fatal cancer; and 0.37 (0.12-0.87) for female-specific cancers. The reduced relative risk of cancer in patients on ACE inhibitors was greatest with follow-up of longer than 3 years. Calcium-channel blockers, diuretics, and beta-blockers had no apparent effect on risk of cancer.
Interpretation:
Long-term use of ACE inhibitors may protect against cancer. The status of this finding is more that of hypothesis generation than of hypothesis testing; randomised controlled trials are needed.
Insights
Long-term use of angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors may reduce cancer risk. This study suggests ACE inhibitors offer protection, unlike other antihypertensives, but further trials are needed.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Previous research indicated calcium-channel blockers may increase cancer risk.
- Animal studies suggest angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors might protect against cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between ACE inhibitors and cancer risk in hypertensive patients.
- To compare cancer risk in patients using ACE inhibitors versus other antihypertensive drugs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 5207 hypertensive patients from 1980-1995.
- Utilized linked records from the Glasgow Blood Pressure Clinic, Registrar General Scotland, and West of Scotland Cancer Registry.
Main Results:
- Patients on ACE inhibitors showed a reduced relative risk of incident (0.72) and fatal (0.65) cancer.
- No significant cancer risk alteration was observed with calcium-channel blockers, diuretics, or beta-blockers.
- The protective effect of ACE inhibitors was more pronounced in women and with follow-up exceeding 3 years.
Conclusions:
- Long-term use of ACE inhibitors may be associated with a reduced risk of cancer.
- Findings suggest a potential protective role for ACE inhibitors against cancer, warranting further investigation.
- Randomized controlled trials are recommended to confirm these hypothesis-generating findings.
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