Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers and cancer risk: an updated meta-analysis of observational studies

INTRODUCTION: Debate on the association between the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and the risk of developing cancer has been ongoing for decades. This study aimed to generate reliable results by analysing observational studies published in the decade after our last meta-analysis was conducted. METHODS: We searched Embase and Medline databases on 21 January 2021 for cohort and case-control studies. Two researchers independently reviewed the literature and assessed the title and abstract of each publication. The I2 statistic used to evaluate the heterogeneity of the effect measures. Risk of bias was qualitatively assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: We included an additional 16 cohort, 6 nested case-control, and 9 conventional case-control studies in the updated analysis. Overall HRs decreased, while overall relative risks increased. CONCLUSION: Our results show some protective effects through the hazard ratio and some detrimental effects through the relative risk. Large-scale investigations of cohorts followed up for decades are needed to clarify association. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Introduction: Two types of drug, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), have been linked to the risk of developing cancer. We performed a meta-analysis by aggregating individual studies looking into the cancer risk of ACEIs and ARBs. Methods: We searched for articles on Embase and Medline databases until 21 January, 2021. Two researchers independently reviewed the literature and assessed the title and abstract of each publication. Results: Overall, the hazard ratio showed less than 1, while the relative risks showed higher than 1. Conclusion: Our results show some protective effects through the hazard ratio and some detrimental effects through the relative risk. Evidence supporting the risk of developing cancer is insufficient to prevent prescribing ACEIs or ARBs for patients with high blood pressure.