Opium use and laryngeal cancer in the Middle East: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Laryngeal cancer, a malignancy affecting the larynx, has seen a troubling decline in five-year survival rates over the past four decades, despite an overall decrease in incidence. This study investigates the association between opium consumption and laryngeal cancer through a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing literature. Utilizing PRISMA guidelines, we identified and analyzed seven relevant studies conducted primarily in the Middle-East, encompassing a total population of several hundred participants. Our findings reveal a significant correlation between opium use and an increased risk of developing laryngeal cancer, with an odds ratio of 9.13 (95% CI: 5.29-15.77; p < 0.001). The analysis also highlights the potential for opium to act as a more potent carcinogen than tobacco in certain demographics. The mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear but may involve chemical composition, immune suppression, and synergistic effects with tobacco use. Given the rising prevalence of opium addiction, particularly in regions where its use is endemic, our study underscores the urgent need for targeted public health interventions and further research to elucidate the pathways linking opium consumption to laryngeal cancer development.