Researchers, investigating the reported association between antihypertensive drugs and cancer, examined data from 70 randomized trials encompassing over 300,000 participants with a mean follow-up of 3.5 years. Their analysis found no added risk for cancer from ARBs, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium-channel blockers, or diuretics, when compared with placebo. However, the combination of ACE inhibitors and ARBs posed a 14% relative risk increase.

Commentators say the finding of no increased risk with most antihypertensives is “hardly surprising,” given the short follow-up period. They also point out that the ACE inhibitor/ARB combination is often used in patients with severe heart failure, who have lower life expectancies.

source: Lancet Oncology