Link between bone drugs and oesophageal cancer
Long-term use of bone-strengthening drugs - used to treat fractures - may boost the risk of oesophageal cancer, Oxford University research suggests.
The study of 3,000 people found taking bisphosphonates for five years upped the risk from one in 1,000 to two in 1,000 for 60 to 79-year-olds. The researchers said the risk was small, but reliable information on risks and benefits was needed. But experts said for many, the case for taking the drugs "would be strong".
The findings, published in the British Medical Journal, were based on an analysis of anonymised GP records. They contrast with previous research which found no increased risk for the bone-strengthening drugs. It is not known why the risk may be increased, although the drugs are known to irritate the oesophagus. Thousands of stomach and colorectum cancers were also studied, but no increased risk was found.
Read the whole article at BBC News
Reference
- Green J, Czanner G, Reeves G, Watson J, Wise L, Beral V. Oral bisphosphonates and risk of cancer of oesophagus, stomach, and colorectum: case-control analysis within a UK primary care cohort. BMJ 2010. DOI: 10.1136/bmj.c4444
Keywords: osteoporosis, bisphosphonates, oesophageal cancer
2. 9. 2010 BBC News
