Meta-analysis Indicates Gout-Cancer Association

A comprehensive meta-analysis confirmed that gout may be a risk factor for certain cancers, according to a report published in Medicine.

Investigators performed a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases, covering studies published from database inception to September 2023. Included studies were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, while heterogeneity was evaluated using the I² statistic. The researchers also performed sensitivity analyses and publication bias assessments.

In total 6 studies, including 1,279,804 participants, were included in the meta-analysis, which found that that gout is associated with an overall increased risk of developing cancer (HR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.04–1.34, P < .001).

Further, the study revealed significant associations between gout and specific cancers, including gastric cancer (HR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.07–1.62, P = .012), liver cancer (HR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.01–1.52, P < .001), lung cancer (HR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.03–1.53, P = .001), and bladder cancer (HR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.02–2.41, P < .001). “There was also a suggestive but statistically nonsignificant increased risk for other cancers, such as head and neck cancer and esophageal cancer,” the authors noted.

They concluded that” further high-quality epidemiologic research is needed to confirm these associations and clarify the underlying mechanisms linking gout and cancer risk.”

Reference:

Tian L, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Tian Lv, Wang H. Association between gout and cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2024;103(43):e40234. DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000040234.