Meta-Analysis
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World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther. Aug 6, 2013; 4(3): 69-79
Published online Aug 6, 2013. doi: 10.4292/wjgpt.v4.i3.69
Reduced esophageal cancer incidence in statin users, particularly with cyclo-oxygenase inhibition
Ian Leonard Phillip Beales, Abigail Hensley, Yoon Loke
Ian Leonard Phillip Beales, Department of Gastroenterology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich NR4 7UY, United Kingdom
Abigail Hensley, Yoon Loke, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 TJ, United Kingdom
Author contributions: Beales ILP and Loke Y jointly conceived the study; Beales ILP and Hensley A performed the searching and data extraction; Beales ILP wrote the initial and final versions of the paper and is guarantor of the paper; all authors performed the data analysis and have seen the raw data and agree with publication.
Correspondence to: Dr. Ian Leonard Phillip Beales, Clinical Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Gastroenterologist, Department of Gastroenterology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colney Ln, Norwich NR4 TJ, United Kingdom. i.beales@uea.ac.uk
Telephone: +44-1603-591003 Fax: +44-1603-593752
Received: April 16, 2013
Revised: May 22, 2013
Accepted: June 19, 2013
Published online: August 6, 2013
Core Tip

Core tip: Esophageal cancer remains a major burden upon health. The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has increased dramatically in western countries. Experimental studies have suggested that statins may have useful actions against esophageal cancer cells. This systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies shows that statin use was associated with a reduced incidence of all esophageal cancers (19% decrease). A more striking reduction in adenocarcinoma incidence in patients with Barrett’s esophagus taking statins was seen (43% decrease) and this effect was enhanced in those also taking cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors (74% decrease). This combination offers promise for chemoprevention and further interventional studies are warranted.