Association of psoriasis with colorectal cancer

Background

The relation between psoriasis and colorectal cancer (CRC) was largely unclear.

Objective

To investigate the association of psoriasis with CRC.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies that examined the association of psoriasis with CRC was performed. We searched MEDLINE and Embase on March 24, 2020, for relevant studies. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to evaluate the risk of bias of included studies. We conducted a random-effects model meta-analysis and subgroup analysis according to sex.

Results

We included 9 cohort studies with 10,544,609 individuals. We found a significantly increased risk for CRC in patients with psoriasis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.24). Subgroups analysis according to sex found significantly increased risk for CRC in female patients with psoriasis (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.16-1.72) but not in male patients (HR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.92-1.50).

Limitations

No data on psoriatic arthritis.

Conclusions

Patients with psoriasis have an increased risk for CRC. Gastroenterology consultation and colonoscopic examination are indicated for patients with psoriasis presenting with bowel symptoms.