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Impact of beta-blockers on cancer recurrence and survival: A systematic review and meta-analysis
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  • Mariam Adil,
  • Aayat Ellahi,
  • Haider Kashif,
  • Muhammad Meeran Saleem,
  • Zunera Huda,
  • Isha Atiq,
  • Roha Athar,
  • Muhammad Uzair,
  • Moussa Hojeij
Mariam Adil
Dow University of Health Sciences
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Aayat Ellahi
Jinnah Sindh Medical University
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Haider Kashif
Dow University of Health Sciences
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Muhammad Meeran Saleem
Dow University of Health Sciences
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Zunera Huda
Dow University of Health Sciences
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Isha Atiq
Dow University of Health Sciences
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Roha Athar
Karachi Medical and Dental College
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Muhammad Uzair
The Aga Khan University Hospital
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Moussa Hojeij
Universite Libanaise

Corresponding Author:moussahjeij99@gmail.com

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Abstract

Background: Beta-blockers are frequently used anti-hypertensive agents. It has been proposed that beta-blocker usage can potentially impact outcomes among cancer patients. While there is existing literature on the matter, studies have yielded conflicting results. The aim of this systemic review and meta-analysis is to further investigate the effect of beta-blockers on survival and recurrence among those diagnosed with cancer. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library for relevant studies published until October 16 th, 2023. Hazard ratios (HR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were extracted from the studies. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were performed to investigate heterogeneity and make results more reliable. Results: Data from fifty-four studies was included in this meta-analysis. A subgroup analysis was conducted based on the type of beta blockers and the type of cancer to assess the overall survival (OS) outcome. It was found that beta-blockers had no significant impact on overall survival, based on the type of cancer (HR=0.99; 95% CI: 0.94-1.04; P=0.70), and the type of beta-blockers (HR=0.99; 95% CI: 0.91-1.04; P=0.23). However, statistically significant results were observed for the outcome of cancer recurrence, favoring the beta-blocker group over the control group. A sensitivity analysis was conducted on both the outcomes to assess the heterogeneity in the results, reducing it considerably. Conclusion: According to our results, it can be concluded that the usage of beta-blockers generally has no significant impact on survival outcomes, however, a positive impact on recurrence was observed. There was a downward, yet non-significant, trend in pancreatic and ovarian cancer, indicating that further studies should investigate this.
Submitted to Cancer Reports
Submission Checks Completed
Assigned to Editor
Reviewer(s) Assigned
17 Oct 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
22 Oct 2024Reviewer(s) Assigned