The risk of cancer from antihypertensive drugs has been much debated, with a recent analysis showing increased risk with angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs).
A large meta-analysis (>300,000 patients from 70 randomized trials) found that combination therapy with angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) was associated with a significant increase in cancer incidence, but there was no increase in cancer incidence with ARBs or ACE inhibitors when used alone. Cancer death was not significantly increased.
A large meta-analysis (>300,000 patients from 70 randomized trials) found that combination therapy with angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) was associated with a significant increase in cancer incidence, but there was no increase in cancer incidence with ARBs or ACE inhibitors when used alone. Cancer death was not significantly increased.
A possible increase in cancer risk with the use of combination therapy provides additional rationale to not simultaneously treat with ARBs and ACE inhibitors unless there is a compelling reason for dual therapy.
Source:
Source:
Bangalore S, Kumar S, Kjeldsen SE, et al. Antihypertensive drugs and risk of cancer: network meta-analyses and trial sequential analyses of 324,168 participants from randomised trials. Lancet Oncol 2011; 12:65.