Cancer risk in patients with acromegaly compared to the general population of the Moscow Region

An increased prevalence of malignant neoplasms (MNs) in acromegaly compared to the general population has been demonstrated in many studies. However, the spectrum of MNs and the degree of increased risk vary significantly depending on the study region.

Aim. To compare the frequency and nosological structure of MNs in patients with acromegaly and in the general population of one region of the Russian Federation.

Materials and methods. A retrospective, observational, single-sample, cohort, uncontrolled, non-interventional study. We included patients’ data on 31.12.2009, 31.12.2014, 31.12.2019, and 31.12.2024. We compared the prevalence and types of MNs in the cohort of patients with acromegaly and in the general population of the region.

Results. MNs were observed in 13 (8.0%) patients in 2009, 26 (10.7%) in 2014, 35 (12.2%) in 2019, and 38 (14.5%) in 2024 (p for trend = 0.001). In all analyzed years, the most common MNs in the general population of the Moscow region were breast, skin (except melanoma), uterine body, colon, stomach or prostate. In acromegaly, the general prevalence of MNs was higher compared to the region and increased from 2009 (OR 3.442, 95%CI 1.95; 6.076, p < 0.001) to 2024 (OR 7.255, 95%CI 5.131; 10.25, p < 0.001). The most common types of MNs in acromegaly were thyroid cancer (39–53 times higher than in the general population), colon cancer (8–16 times), uterine cancer (7–8 times), breast cancer (up to 4 times), and pancreatic cancer as highly differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (44–82 times). The remaining types of MNs diagnosed in patients with acromegaly did not exceed population rate.

Conclusion. In the Moscow region, the prevalence of malignant neoplasms associated with acromegaly was higher than the general population and has increased 1.8-fold over the past 15 years. The nosological structure of malignant neoplasms differed from that of the general population, which must be considered at the screening plan for patients with acromegaly.

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