Proton pump inhibitors usage and the risk of cancer

• Main Authors: Hubert Wróblewski, Aleksandra Zimna
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kazimierz Wielki University 2021-08-01
• Series: Journal of Education, Health and Sport
• Subjects: proton pump inhibitors; tumor; risk factor
• Online Access: https://apcz.umk.pl/czasopisma/index.php/JEHS/article/view/35074

<p><strong>Introduction and purpose of the work:</strong>Proton pump inhibitors are used to reduce gastric acidity by irreversibly inhibiting the hydrogen-potassium ATPase present in the parietal cells of the stomach. These drugs are used more and more often, often not in accordance with the recommendations. There are reports suggesting a relationship between chronic PPI use and the occurrence of cancer. The aim of the study is to present information on the relationship between the use of proton pump inhibitors and the risk of developing cancer.</p><p><strong>State of knowledge:</strong>Recent field studies have shown that there is a significant relationship between PPI use and carcinogenesis. One possible mechanism is related to the sustained release of gastrin in large amounts, which in turn stimulates the production of substances with trophic effects on the gastrointestinal mucosa, and cell proliferation over time may lead to cancer formation. The relationship between high gastrin concentration and the formation of gastric neuroendocrine neoplasms, tumors of the liver, pancreas and esophagus has been proven.</p><p><strong>Summary:</strong>Proton pump inhibitors are considered safe drugs. Taking into account the described reports on the increased risk of developing certain cancers, when prescribing PPIs, the risk associated with their use should also be taken into account. However, it seems that the benefits of using these drugs outweigh the risks in most cases.</p>