Meta-analysis: folic acid in the chemoprevention of colorectal adenomas and colorectal cancer
C. CARROLL
Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
Search for more papers by this authorK. COOPER
Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
Search for more papers by this authorD. PAPAIOANNOU
Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
Search for more papers by this authorD. HIND
Health Services Research, School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
Search for more papers by this authorP. TAPPENDEN
Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
Search for more papers by this authorH. PILGRIM
Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
Search for more papers by this authorA. BOOTH
Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
Search for more papers by this authorC. CARROLL
Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
Search for more papers by this authorK. COOPER
Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
Search for more papers by this authorD. PAPAIOANNOU
Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
Search for more papers by this authorD. HIND
Health Services Research, School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
Search for more papers by this authorP. TAPPENDEN
Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
Search for more papers by this authorH. PILGRIM
Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
Search for more papers by this authorA. BOOTH
Health Economics and Decision Science, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 708–718
Summary
Background Folic acid has been identified as a possible agent for the chemoprevention of colorectal cancer.
Aim To assess the effectiveness of folic acid in reducing the recurrence of adenomas (precursors of colorectal cancer) among populations with a history of adenomas and the incidence of colorectal cancer within average-risk populations.
Methods Systematic review of randomized controlled trials comparing folic acid alone, or with other agents, vs. placebo. Eight databases were searched for relevant trials. Meta-analysis was performed.
Results The literature search retrieved 3785 citations. Six studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of three studies in individuals with a history of adenomas showed no statistically significant difference in the relative risk of adenoma recurrence (RR 0.93, P = 0.27). A sensitivity analysis of the two higher quality trials changed the direction of effect (RR 1.16, P = 0.11). Meta-analysis of three trials in general populations demonstrated no statistically significant effect on the relative risk of colorectal cancer (RR 1.13, P = 0.54). In all three analyses, outcome event rates were higher in individuals receiving folic acid.
Conclusion There is no evidence that folic acid is effective in the chemoprevention of colorectal adenomas or colorectal cancer for any population.
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