Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Previous reports on cancer risk in patients with acromegaly have inconsistent findings. Using a nationwide population-based cohort, we primarily investigated whether overall and site-specific cancer risk are increased in patients with acromegaly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 2,382 acromegaly patients and 11,910 controls aged above 20, from 2006 to 2016. Cox hazards regression analysis was used, adjusting for baseline covariates. RESULTS: Among the 2,382 patients with acromegaly, overall cancer occurred in 244 (10.2%), while the 11,910 controls had 707 (5.9%) occurrences (HR: 1.90 (95% CI: 1.63-2.22). Acromegaly patients had the highest relative risk for brain cancers with an HR of 6.80 (95% CI: 2.83-16.38) and significantly higher risk of lymphoma, thyroid cancer, multiple myeloma, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer. Even after five years from the diagnosis of acromegaly, patients with acromegaly had a significantly higher incidence of cancer. Risk of cancer in general and stomach cancer in specific was significantly higher in patients under the age of 50 compared to older patients. There was no sex difference. CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide longitudinal cohort study shows an increased risk of cancer in acromegaly patients. Active and long-term cancer screening is necessary to improve the prognosis in patients with acromegaly.