Calcium channel blockers and cancer.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to explore the relation that has been previously reported between calcium channel blockers and an increased risk of cancer.


METHODS
We followed 3,511 participants, age 65 years or older, in the Duke Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly for up to 10 years. Information about use of medications was obtained at baseline and 3 and 6 years later. Information about hospitalization for cancer, or death from cancer, was obtained from Health Care Financing Administration data and death certificates.


RESULTS
Of the 133 users of calcium channel blockers, 16 (12%) developed cancer, compared with 548 (16%) of 3,378 nonusers (hazard ratio = 0.9; 95% confidence interval, 0.5 to 1.5). Adjusting for baseline and time-dependent covariates, such as race, diabetes, or blood pressure, for dose or class of calcium channel blockers, or for length of follow-up, had no effect.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of calcium channel blockers does not appear to be related to cancer risk. Earlier reports showing such a relation may have been the result of chance.
Cohen
H J
HJ
Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
Pieper
C F
CF
Hanlon
J T
JT
Wall
W E
WE
Burchett
B M
BM
Havlik
R J
RJ
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012306:Risk; D013997:Time Factors
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers