Abstract
The goal of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to examine the association between the use of antidepressants (AD) and the risk of breast cancer. We searched the EMBASE and MEDLINE databases from inception through February 25, 2012, using search terms related to ADs and breast cancer. Two evaluators independently reviewed and selected articles and extracted data based on predetermined selection criteria. Pooled effect estimates were obtained by using random- and fixed effects meta-analyses. Of the 3,209 titles identified, 18 articles met the inclusion criteria. The overall risk of breast cancer did not increase among AD users [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.02; 95 % CI 0.96-1.08]. Those who took tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were not at increased risks of breast cancer. In subgroup meta-analyses, null associations were consistent across the type of AD, funding sources, the number of adjusted variables, medication dose, the ascertainment of exposure, and methodological quality. In subgroup analyses based on exposure duration, a marginal association was observed for the use of SSRIs < 1-2 years (aOR 1.10; 95 % CI 1.02-1.19). However, this effect was attenuated over time and those using SSRIs for more than 1-2 years had no elevated breast cancer risk. These results support the lack of a clinically meaningful association between AD use and the development of breast cancer and provide considerable reassurance. Given that the data collected to date do not support changing the current prescribing patterns for ADs, the important benefits of AD therapy must be considered.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 635-645 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Journal | Breast Cancer Research and Treatment |
| Volume | 136 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2012 Dec 1 |
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Keywords
- Antidepressants
- Breast cancer
- Meta-analysis
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- Tricyclic antidepressants
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Oncology
- Cancer Research
Cite this
Use of antidepressants and the risk of breast cancer : A meta-analysis. / Eom, Chun Sick; Park, Sang Min; Cho, Kyung-Hwan.
In: Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, Vol. 136, No. 3, 01.12.2012, p. 635-645.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Use of antidepressants and the risk of breast cancer
T2 - A meta-analysis
AU - Eom, Chun Sick
AU - Park, Sang Min
AU - Cho, Kyung-Hwan
PY - 2012/12/1
Y1 - 2012/12/1
N2 - The goal of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to examine the association between the use of antidepressants (AD) and the risk of breast cancer. We searched the EMBASE and MEDLINE databases from inception through February 25, 2012, using search terms related to ADs and breast cancer. Two evaluators independently reviewed and selected articles and extracted data based on predetermined selection criteria. Pooled effect estimates were obtained by using random- and fixed effects meta-analyses. Of the 3,209 titles identified, 18 articles met the inclusion criteria. The overall risk of breast cancer did not increase among AD users [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.02; 95 % CI 0.96-1.08]. Those who took tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were not at increased risks of breast cancer. In subgroup meta-analyses, null associations were consistent across the type of AD, funding sources, the number of adjusted variables, medication dose, the ascertainment of exposure, and methodological quality. In subgroup analyses based on exposure duration, a marginal association was observed for the use of SSRIs < 1-2 years (aOR 1.10; 95 % CI 1.02-1.19). However, this effect was attenuated over time and those using SSRIs for more than 1-2 years had no elevated breast cancer risk. These results support the lack of a clinically meaningful association between AD use and the development of breast cancer and provide considerable reassurance. Given that the data collected to date do not support changing the current prescribing patterns for ADs, the important benefits of AD therapy must be considered.
AB - The goal of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to examine the association between the use of antidepressants (AD) and the risk of breast cancer. We searched the EMBASE and MEDLINE databases from inception through February 25, 2012, using search terms related to ADs and breast cancer. Two evaluators independently reviewed and selected articles and extracted data based on predetermined selection criteria. Pooled effect estimates were obtained by using random- and fixed effects meta-analyses. Of the 3,209 titles identified, 18 articles met the inclusion criteria. The overall risk of breast cancer did not increase among AD users [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.02; 95 % CI 0.96-1.08]. Those who took tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were not at increased risks of breast cancer. In subgroup meta-analyses, null associations were consistent across the type of AD, funding sources, the number of adjusted variables, medication dose, the ascertainment of exposure, and methodological quality. In subgroup analyses based on exposure duration, a marginal association was observed for the use of SSRIs < 1-2 years (aOR 1.10; 95 % CI 1.02-1.19). However, this effect was attenuated over time and those using SSRIs for more than 1-2 years had no elevated breast cancer risk. These results support the lack of a clinically meaningful association between AD use and the development of breast cancer and provide considerable reassurance. Given that the data collected to date do not support changing the current prescribing patterns for ADs, the important benefits of AD therapy must be considered.
KW - Antidepressants
KW - Breast cancer
KW - Meta-analysis
KW - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
KW - Tricyclic antidepressants
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84878756216&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84878756216&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s10549-012-2307-y
DO - 10.1007/s10549-012-2307-y
M3 - Review article
VL - 136
SP - 635
EP - 645
JO - Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
JF - Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
SN - 0167-6806
IS - 3
ER -