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FDA: No increased risk for cancer with angiotensin receptor blockers
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Angiotensin II receptor blockers do not increase the risk for cancer, despite a study from last year reporting a small increased risk for cancer among those taking the drug, according to a news release issued by the FDA.
The FDA’s finding was based on a review performed by the agency that began in July 2010, shortly after the study was published. The review looked specifically at 31 randomized controlled trials that compared those taking with those not taking angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) to determine the incidence of cancer.
“The FDA has completed its review of controlled trial data on more than 155,000 patients randomized to ARBs or other treatments — the largest evaluation of such data to date — and finds no evidence of an increased risk of cancer in patients who take an ARB,” Mary Ross Southworth, PharmD, deputy director for safety in the Division of Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in the release.
As a result of these findings, the FDA concluded in the release that any concern about a link between ARB use and development of cancer has been resolved, and that patients currently taking any antihypertensive medication should continue to unless advised by a health care professional.
Click here for part 1 and here for part 2 of Cardiology Today’s expert roundtable discussion on the potential link between ARBs and cancer.
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