Effects of opioids on tumour growth and metastasis in animal models: a systematic review
Authors' conclusion
We found no relationship indicative of an organ-specific, cancer-promoting effect of opioids.
Study context
- Population
- Published in vivo preclinical (animal) studies of opioids and tumour growth and metastasis168 experiments
- Participants
- 118 participants
- Outcome
- Organ-specific effects of opioids on tumour growth and metastasis (reported cancer outcome)
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Reported cancer outcome
- Experiments reporting an anti-cancer effect of opioids
- 94/168, 56%
- Experiments reporting a pro-cancer effect
- 31 (18%)
- Opioid category associated with reported cancer outcome
- P<0.001
- Opioid dose associated with reported cancer outcome
- P=0.0056
Further pooled results
Morphine studies: proportion using low-dose morphine
- Among experiments reporting pro-cancer outcomes
- 65%
- Among experiments reporting anti-cancer outcomes
- 8%
Original publication
Effects of opioids on tumour growth and metastasis in animal models: a systematic review. Br J Anaesth. Published 25 March 2025. doi:10.
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