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Association Between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Extraesophageal Malignancies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Yusi Xu, Zhe-Ran Chen, Yan Bian, Ye Gao, Lei Xin, Luo-Wei Wang

Cancers, 2025

3 citations

Abstract

Simple Summary Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been linked to esophageal cancer, but its association with extraesophageal malignancies remains unclear. Clarifying these risks may inform clinical surveillance strategies. This systematic review and meta-analysis found significant associations between GERD and increased risks of pharyngeal, laryngeal, and lung cancers, with Mendelian randomization supporting a potential causal relationship to lung cancer. The potential extraesophageal malignancies risks associated with GERD highlight the need for greater awareness and may support the development of targeted risk assessment or monitoring approaches.

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Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.

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