In a nutshell
This analysis evaluated the association between kidney stones and the risk of future kidney cancer.
Authors concluded that patients with a history of kidney stones may be at increased future risk for kidney cancer.
Some background
Kidney stones are one of the most common medical conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. A history of kidney stones has been theorized to effect future cancer risk. If patients with a history of kidney stones are indeed at an increased risk of developing kidney cancer, increased surveillance for early detection is needed. However, evidence on the effects of kidney stones on future cancer risk is limited.
Methods & findings
This analysis included results from seven studies that compared the risk of kidney cancer in patients with a history of kidney stones versus those without a history of kidney stones.
Among patients with a history of kidney stones, a 41% increased risk for renal cell carcinoma (RCC, the most common type of kidney cancer) was noted among men. Among females with a history of kidney stones, no significant change in RCC risk was noted.
In studies assessing the relationship between a history of kidney stones and transitional cell carcinoma (TCC, a less common type of urological cancer) the risk of TCC was more than doubled among both men and women with a history of kidney stones.
This study showed an increase in the risk of kidney cancers among patients with a history of kidney stones. However, the increased risk of RCC was noted only among male patients.
The bottom line
This study showed an increase in the risk of kidney cancers among patients with a history of kidney stones. However, the increased risk of RCC was noted only among male patients.
The fine print
This analysis included only observational studies with various inherent limitations. Therefore, at best, it can only demonstrate an association between kidney stones and urological cancers, but not a causal relationship.
What’s next?
These findings suggest that regular kidney cancer surveillance may be of benefit to patients with a history of kidney stones.
Published By :
QJM : monthly journal of the Association of Physicians
Date :
Mar 01, 2015
