The University of Toledo Translation Journal of Medical Sciences 
Internal Medicine Abstract, Department of Medicine Research Symposium UTJMS 2023 May 5; 11(1):e1-e1 

Sarcoidosis and increased risk of Colorectal cancer: A 
systematic review and Meta-analysis 

Yasmin Khader, MD1*, A. Beran, MD1, S. Ghazaleh, MD2, S. Devis, MD1, N. 
Altorok, MD3 

1Division of , Department of Medicine, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614 
2Division of, Department of Medicine, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614 
3Division of, Department of Medicine, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614 

*Corresponding author: Yasmin.Khader@utoledo.edu

Published: 05 May 2023 

Introduction: Sarcoidosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that appears to be associated with 
increased risk of malignancies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between sarcoidosis 
and the risk of colorectal cancer. 

Methods: We performed a comprehensive search in the databases of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and 
the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception through October 7, 2020. From each 
study, we collected the number of sarcoidosis patients with and without colorectal cancer. The primary 
outcome was the occurrence of colorectal carcinoma in both groups. The random-effects model was 
used to calculate the risk ratios (RR), mean differences (MD), and confidence intervals (CI). A p value 
<0.05 was considered statistically significant.   

Results: A total of nine cohort studies involving 26347 patients were included in the meta-analysis. 
Incidence of colon cancer was significantly higher in patients with sarcoidosis in comparison to the 
control group (RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.17-1.57, p <0.0001). The incidence of rectal cancer was also 
significantly higher in patients with sarcoidosis compared to the control group (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01-
1.5, p 0.03)   

Conclusion: Our meta-analysis demonstrated that patients with sarcoidosis appear to be at significantly 
increased risk of colorectal cancer compared to the general population. This may worsen the prognosis 
in these patients even though sarcoidosis usually has a benign course. The chronic inflammatory nature 
of the disease as well as the immunosuppressive medications used in the management of sarcoidosis can 
play a role. 

https://dx.doi.org/10.46570/utjms.vol11-2023-701 

https://dx.doi.org/10.46570/utjms.vol11-2023-701
mailto:Yasmin.Khader@utoledo.edu