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PDE5 inhibitors slightly increased melanoma, basal cell carcinoma risk

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors were associated with a moderate increase in risk for melanoma and basal cell carcinoma, but not squamous cell carcinoma, according to recent findings.

The meta-analysis included five studies conducted through July 13, 2016, that were identified from using thePubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases.

Results showed a slight but significant increase in melanoma risk associated with phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor use compared with non-PDE5 use (OR = 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03-1.21). A similar increase was observed for basal cell carcinoma (OR = 1.14; 95% CI, 1.09-1.19).

There was no increased risk for squamous cell carcinoma.

A number of pre-determined potential factors for melanoma risk were included in the study, including dose of PDE5 inhibitor, study design and study region. However, none of these factors demonstrated a significant association with melanoma risk.

These findings were confirmed by a sensitivity analysis.

The researchers acknowledged possible heterogeneity and inconsistency of the findings because only observational studies were used. – by Rob Volansky

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.