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Review
. 2022 Jun 29;14(13):3192.
doi: 10.3390/cancers14133192.

Exogenous Hormone Factors in Relation to the Risk of Malignant Melanoma in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Manuela Chiavarini  1 , Giulia Naldini  2 , Irene Giacchetta  2 , Roberto Fabiani  3
Affiliations
Review

Exogenous Hormone Factors in Relation to the Risk of Malignant Melanoma in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Manuela Chiavarini et al. Cancers (Basel). .

Abstract

The influence of exogenous female hormones on the risk of developing malignant melanoma in women remains controversial. The aim of our review and meta-analysis is to summarize the evidence and derive a more accurate estimation of the association between oral contraceptives (OCs) or menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and the risk of developing malignant melanoma in women. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus database were searched for studies published up until October 2021. The PRISMA statement and MOOSE guidelines were followed. Studies were pooled using a random effects model. Heterogeneity was explored with the chi-square-based Cochran's Q statistic and the I2 statistic. Publication bias was assessed with Begg's test and Egger's test. Forty-six studies met the eligibility criteria. The pooled analysis (26 studies) on OC use and the risk of developing cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) showed no significant association, but demonstrated significant association for cohort studies (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01-1.16; I2 = 0.00%, p = 0.544). The pooled analysis (16 studies) showed a significantly increased risk of CMM in association with MHT (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.08-1.23; I2 = 25.32%, p = 0.169). Stratifying the results by study design showed that a significant increased risk of CMM was associated with MHT in the cohort studies (OR 1.12; 95% CI 1.04-1.19; I2 = 0%, p = 0.467). No significant publication bias could be detected. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential association with formulation, duration of use, and dosage of use, and to better understand the role of possible confounders.

Keywords: hormone replace therapy; melanoma; meta-analysis; oral contraceptive.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The founder, Roberto Fabiani, collected the data, analyzed the data, and edited the pictures.

Figures

Figure A1
Figure A1
Funnel Plot of publication bias of OC (a) and MHT (b) use and risk of CMM.
Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA flow chart of included studies.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Forest plot of OC (a) and MHT (b) use and risk of CMM.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Forest plot of OC (a) and MHT (b) use and risk of CMM.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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