Al's Comment:

This is an impressive application of real-world evidence. Dr. Castro hypothesized that the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may have a negative impact on the survival of patients with Glioblastomas. Typically, testing such a hypothesis would be challenging and costly. However, he utilized a regulatory-grade registry that maintains a comprehensive record of the medications patients take. By analyzing this data, they were able to demonstrate a significant negative effect associated with PPI usage. This effect could potentially be as significant as the difference between methylated and unmethylated MGMT status.

 

While it is advisable to replicate these findings using other datasets for confirmation, until counter-evidence emerges, it would be worthwhile for individuals taking the drugs listed below to discuss the matter with their healthcare providers and consider alternative medications.

 

The proton pump inhibitors include:

 

• Omeprazole (Prilosec) - available over-the-counter without a prescription.
• Esomeprazole (Nexium) - available over-the-counter without a prescription.
• Lansoprazole (Prevacid) - available over-the-counter without a prescription.
• Rabeprazole (AcipHex)
• Pantoprazole (Protonix)
• Dexlansoprazole (Dexilant)
• Zegerid (Omeprazole with sodium bicarbonate) - available over-the-counter without a prescription.

Disclaimer: I am a founder and paid consultant to xCures and hold stock in the company.

Use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) in glioblastoma (GBM) and relationship to overall survival in a national real-world evidence (RWE) database.