Familial Risks Between Urolithiasis and Cancer

Association between kidney stones and urological cancers: results from the NHANES 2007-2020 and Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Kidney stones is a common urological disease with a rising incidence in global. The association between kidney stones and urological cancers remains controversial. This study utilized the data from the 2007-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to evaluate the association and potential causal relationship between kidney stones and renal cell carcinoma, bladder cancer, and prostate cancer.

METHODS

Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between kidney stones history and urological cancers, followed by stratified analyses. Subsequently, causal relationships were explored via the inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, and MR-Egger methods. Sensitivity analyses were performed to ensure the robustness of the findings.

RESULTS

Data from 13,013 individuals (5,138 males) were analyzed. Kidney stones was significantly associated with an increased risk of renal cell carcinoma (OR = 1.92, 95% CI 1.90-1.95, P < 0.001), bladder cancer (OR = 2.749, 95% CI 2.71-2.78, P < 0.001), and prostate cancer (OR = 2.03, 95% CI 2.02-2.04, P < 0.001). However, MR analysis did not provide evidence for a genetic causal relationship between kidney stones and these cancers. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the stability and reliability of the MR results.

CONCLUSION

Kidney stones increased the risk of renal cell carcinoma, bladder cancer, and prostate cancer in the US population. MR analysis did not establish a genetic causal relationship between kidney stones and renal cell carcinoma, bladder cancer, and prostate cancer in the European population.

Kidney and gallbladder stones and the risk of prostate cancer: Results from the EPICAP study

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer remains the most frequent cancer among men, representing a significant health burden. Despite its high morbidity and mortality rates, the etiology of prostate cancer remains relatively unknown, with only non-modifiable established risk factors. Chronic inflammation has emerged as a potential factor in prostate carcinogenesis. We investigated the role of kidney and gallbladder stones and the risk of prostate cancer.

METHODS

We used data from EPICAP, a population-based case-control study. A total of 819 diagnosed prostate cancer cases and 879 controls were face-to-face interviewed using a standardized questionnaire that collected information on personal medical history, including history of kidney and gallbladder stones. Odds Ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using multivariate unconditional logistic regression.

RESULTS

Our study revealed intriguing patterns regarding kidney and gallbladder stones in relation to prostate cancer risk. The analysis indicated significant potential associations between kidney stones and the risk of prostate cancer (OR: 1.46 95% CI: 1.13-1.90), particularly in men with a history of kidney infection. Additionally, our data suggested a possible relationship between gallbladder stones and prostate cancer when considering triglyceride (OR: 2.27, 95% CI: 0.99-5.28), although further research is needed for a conclusive understanding.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest an association between calculi and the risk of prostate cancer. Findings from this study underscore the need for a more comprehensive investigation to understand the role of chronic inflammation or metabolism and delineate the mechanisms underlying these potential associations in order to guide the development of targeted preventive strategies for aggressive prostate cancer.

Understanding the link between kidney stones and cancers of the upper urinary tract and bladder

Kidney stones are one of the most common renal pathologies. While emerging evidence has implicated a potential association between kidney stones and upper urinary tract cancers (including renal cancer), there is limited understanding as to the common underlying biological pathways functionally linking the etiology of kidney stone formation and the incidence, development, and progression of urinary tract cancers. From a clinical perspective, kidney stone disease can be a barrier to oncologic care due to renal obstruction. From the epidemiological perspective, risk factors associated with both conditions include smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, and gender. Herein, we review the association between renal calculi and malignancy of the upper urinary tract and discuss the current understanding of (a) potential shared mechanisms, and (b) the impact this has on shared therapeutic management of both conditions.

Impact of family history of cancer on risk and mortality of second cancers in patients with prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Survival rates are increasing in patients with prostate cancer, and second primary cancers (SPCs) are becoming more common in these patients. However, the etiology and clinical consequences of SPCs are not well-known. We define the impact of family history on SPC and causes of mortality in these patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A nation-wide cohort study based on the Swedish Family-Cancer Database covering 4.4 million men and 80,449 prostate cancers diagnosed between 1990 and 2015. Relative risks (RRs) and cumulative incidence for SPCs and for familial SPC were calculated for prostate cancer patients.

RESULTS

SPC was diagnosed in 6,396 men and more than a third of these patients had a first-degree family history of any cancer; the familial risk was 1.37 (95% CI: 1.27-1.40), compared to 1.10 (1.08-1.16), without a family history. Cumulative incidence by the age of 83 years reached 21% for prostate cancer alone, 28% in those with SPC, and 35% in patients with SPC and family history. Family history was associated with the risk of seven specific SPCs, including colorectal, lung, kidney, bladder and skin (both melanoma and squamous cell) cancers, and leukemia. Colorectal and lung cancers were common SPCs, and family history doubled the risk of these SPCs. In patients with SPC, half of all causes of death were due to SPC and only 12.77% were due to prostate cancer. Most deaths in SPC were caused by lung and colorectal cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

SPCs were an important cause of death in patients with prostate cancer and family history was an important risk factor for SPCs. Prevention of SPC should be essential when prostate cancer survival rates are being improved and this could start by conducting a thorough assessment of family history at the time of prostate cancer diagnosis.