This case-control study was conducted to explore the association between the use of antidiabetic drugs, diabetes, and the risk of pancreatic cancer. Using the UK-based General Practice Research Database (GPRD), cases included patients with a first-time diagnosis of pancreatic cancer (N = 2,763, mean age 69.5±11.0 years). Six controls per case were matched on age, sex, calendar time, general practice, and number of years of active history in the GPRD before the index date. Long-term use (≥30 prescriptions) of metformin was not associated with an altered risk of pancreatic cancer (OR 0.87; 95% CI 0.59-1.29), but there was a suggestion of effect modification by gender, as long-term use of metformin was linked to a decreased risk in women (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.23-0.80). Long-term use of sulfonylureas (≥30 prescriptions; OR: 1.90; 95% CI 1.32-2.74) and insulin (≥40 prescriptions; OR 2.29; 95% CI 1.34-3.92) were both associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. The authors concluded that use of sulfonylureas and insulin was associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer and use of metformin was associated with a decreased risk of pancreatic cancer in women only. Am J Gastroenterol. 2012 Apr;107(4):620-6. PMID: 22290402
