Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and cancer: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Abstract
AIM: The aim of this meta-analysis of randomized trials was to assess the effects of SGLT-2i on the overall incidence of malignancies and on different types of cancer, summerizing the results of trials with a duration of at least 1 year. This was done in light of the effect of SGLT-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is) that has been highlighted by some studies, showing an increased incidence of bladder cancer, particularly with use of empagliflozin.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Medline and Embase search for "Canaglifozin", "Dapaglifozin", "Empaglifozin", "Ertuglifozin", "Ipraglifozin", Tofoglifozin" or "Luseoglifozin" was performed, identifying randomized trials with a duration of more than 52 weeks up to 1 December 2018 that compared SGLT-2is with placebo or active comparators. The outcomes considered were all types of cancer and several site-specific cancers (ie, breast, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, hepatic, pancreatic, skin, prostate and bladder). Mantel-Haenszel odds ratios with 95% Confidence Intervals (MH-OR, 95% CI) were calculated for all outcomes.
RESULTS: A total of 27 trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Retrieved trials had enrolled 27 744 and 20 441 patients in SGLT-2 inhibitor and comparator groups, respectively. No difference was observed in the incidence of all malignancies between patients allocated to SGLT-2i and comparators (MH-OR 0.98[0.77-1.24]). The incidence of bladder cancer, and of any other type of cancer, was not significantly increased by treatment with any…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 20 participants or records.
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