Calcium channel blockers and cancer. . . and other stories
BMJ 2018; 361 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k2529 (Published 14 June 2018) Cite this as: BMJ 2018;361:k2529
No increased mortality with CCBs
There has been some anxiety that calcium channel blockers might encourage growth of malignant cells by reducing intracellular calcium concentrations and inhibiting apoptotic gene expression. However, the findings of a record linkage study that tracked more than 20 000 breast cancer patients are reassuring. After adjustment for demographics, comorbidities, and the use of other sorts of medication, mortality from breast cancer was no higher in women who had taken calcium channel blockers than in women who had never used them. (Epidemiology doi:10.1097/EDE.0000000000000814)
Fit or faint?
It can be hard to decide whether a patient who …
Log in
Log in using your username and password
Log in through your institution
Subscribe from £173 *
Subscribe and get access to all BMJ articles, and much more.
* For online subscription
Access this article for 1 day for:
£38 / $45 / €42 (excludes VAT)
You can download a PDF version for your personal record.