Spironolactone use is not associated with an increased risk for cancer, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published online Feb. 9 in JAMA Dermatology.

Kanthi Bommareddy, M.D., from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and colleagues conducted a systematic review to examine the pooled occurrence of cancers, particularly breast and prostate cancers, among individuals treated with spironolactone. Data were included for seven studies, with a total population of 4,528,332 individuals (mean age, 62.6 to 72.0 years).

The studies were all considered to have a low risk for bias. The researchers observed no association between spironolactone use and risk for breast cancer (risk ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 0.86 to 1.22). Spironolactone use was associated with a reduced risk for prostate cancer (risk ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.68 to 0.90). No significant associations were observed between use of spironolactone and risks for ovarian cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, gastric cancer, or esophageal cancer.

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