The Associations Between Gallstone Disease and Pan-Cancer Incidence Risk Based on Over 13 Million Participants

Background

Increasing evidence connects gallstone disease (GSD) to all types of cancer incidence; however, the results were inconsistent. The present study aimed to evaluate whether and to what extent these associations exist comprehensively.

Methods

We systematically searched published longitudinal studies indexed in PubMed and Embase database from dates of inception to March 31, 2020. We pooled the effect of GSD on all-cause cancer incidence. Moreover, we further employed stratified analysis concerning sex, geographic background, surgery status, and follow-up period. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was applied to decide whether the included sample size was sufficient for evaluating these associations.

Results

Fifty-one studies incorporating over 13 million participants were eligible for analysis in this study. GSD pose an increased risk of all-cause cancer risk (pooled RR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.33–1.54) compared with the healthy controls, especially hematologic malignancy (pooled RR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.05–1.25), gastrointestinal cancers (pooled RR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.15–1.41), liver, pancreas, and biliary tract cancer (pooled RR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.62–2.10), and kidney cancer (pooled RR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.03–1.37). These associations are not markedly changed after stratification by different subgroups. Moreover, the TSA confirmed the sample size was sufficient to draw these conclusive conclusions.

Conclusions

The present meta-analysis with sufficient evidence indicates GSD increases the risk for all causes of cancer incidence. The evidence may warrant GSD patients to perform screening and prophylactic treatment for the prevention of these complications. The indication for cholecystectomy should be determined through a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's clinical presentation, with a thorough assessment of the potential therapeutic benefits and surgical risks.