Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and the Risk of Prostate and Ovarian Cancer: An Epidemiologic Meta-Analysis

Background

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants. Previous research has linked PFAS exposure to prostate and ovarian cancer risk, however, the conclusions have been inconsistent. This research purpose was to determine the relationship between PFAS exposure and prostate and ovarian cancer at the population level.

Methods

We systematically reviewed three databases—PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase—for research from when these databases were established to April 15, 2024. The quality of the retrieved research was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) quality measurement tool. Meta-analysis of the extracted data was conducted using Stata 18. We also conducted sensitivity and subgroup analyses, as well as Begg's and Egger's tests.

Results

Twelve publications were involved in the analysis for prostate cancer, and six were included for ovary cancer. The outcomes indicated that PFOS exposure was positively related to prostate cancer (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.00–1.28), while mixed PFAS exposure was positively related to ovarian cancer (OR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.49–1.78). The source of heterogeneity identified in the subgroup analysis was primarily attributable to variations in study design. No significant study bias was detected in the analysis.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated an association between PFAS exposure and both prostate and ovarian cancers. Further investigation is required to clarify the underlying mechanisms and potential associations.