Risk of childhood neoplasms related to neonatal phototherapy- a systematic review and meta-analysis

Context

Observational studies have shown conflicting results as to whether exposure to neonatal phototherapy is associated with increased rates of childhood cancer.

Objective

To describe the rates of childhood neoplasms and cancer after neonatal phototherapy.

Data sources

The CENTRAL, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases.

Study selection

Observational studies regardless of design were included.

Data extraction

The data were extracted by one author and validated by another. The risk-of-bias assessment was performed using the ROBINS-E and Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools.

Results

Six cohort and 10 case-control studies were included. The overall risk of bias was high in seven and low in nine studies. In cohort studies, the odds ratio (OR) was increased for hematopoietic cancer (1.44; confidence interval [CI]: 1.16–1.80) and solid tumors (OR: 1.18; CI: 1.00–1.40). In case-control studies, the OR was 1.63 (CI: 0.99–2.67) for hematopoietic cancers and 1.18 (CI: 1.04–1.34) for solid tumors.

Conclusions

Children with a history of neonatal phototherapy had increased risk of hematopoietic cancer and solid tumors. The evidence quality was limited due to the high risk of bias and potential residual confounding.

Impact statement

Exposure to neonatal phototherapy increased later risk of hematopoietic cancer and solid tumors.

This is the most comprehensive study on the association between phototherapy and cancer, but the evidence quality was limited due risk of bias and residual confounding.

Future large scale well conducted studies are still needed to better estimate the association and.