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Abstract
Objective
The relationship between hepatitis B virus (HBV) and pancreatic cancer has been controversial for years, but more recently new information on this relationship has been updated Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to provide summary estimates of the risk of pancreatic cancer associated with HBV infection.
Methods
A systematic literature search on HBV and pancreatic cancer in English was performed in Pubmed, Cochrane library and Embase up to July 2020. Pooled rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by the random-effects model. Stata software version 15.1 was used to perform this meta-analysis of the 17 studies considered to be eligible.
Results
17 studies including 7 case-control and 10 cohort studies met the selection criteria. Begg’s and Egger’s test results indicated that there was no publication bias. Individuals with Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or HBV DNA seropositivity had a significantly increased risk of pancreatic cancer showing an RR (95% CI) of 1.39 (1.19, 1.63). Similar conclusions were drawn from the results of the subgroup analysis (subgroup by study design, population, sex ratio) except when subgrouped by patient’s region: the RR and 95% CI in Europe and Oceania were 1.44 (0.88, 2.34) and 1.47(0.38, 5.71) respectively.
Conclusions
The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that HBV infections may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer under most conditions, while there remains some doubt when comparison is made between European and Oceania patients.
Disclosure statement
There are no conflicts of interest.