Is Chronic Long-Term Inhibition of Gastric Secretion Really Dangerous?

Abstract

Powerful gastric secretion inhibitors produce cancer in their target organ, the stomach, in experimental animals. The possible mechanisms of the carcinogenic effect are discussed under the headings of the potential noxious change in the gastric luminal contents, as is the possibility that the drugs act as epigenetic or genotoxic carcinogens. Whatever the mechanisms of the drug-induced carcinogenesis, it is clear that there is a toxicologic hazard, which must be assessed rationally and not by means of sophistry. Until the dangers posed by powerful gastric secretory inhibitors to man have been better evaluated, these drugs must not be used for treatment other than of patients with gastrinomas.

Key Words:

• Gastric cancer
• gastric inhibition
• omeprazole
• H₂-receptor antagonists