UUÖ±²¥

Laurent Azoulay, PhD

Associate-Professor – Department of Oncology
Associate-Member – Department of EBOH
Faculty of Medicine, UUÖ±²¥
Investigator, Centre for Clinical Epidemiology, LDI-JGH

Pioglitazone and the risk of bladder cancer: An ongoing saga

ALL ARE WELCOME

Abstract:

Pioglitazone is an antidiabetic drug that has been shown to improve glycemic levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, its safety is controversial, with earlier studies associating its use with an increased risk of bladder cancer. While the findings of these studies led to a black-box warning on the drug’s label, recent studies with longer follow-up have failed to observe an association; but these had important methodological shortcomings. In this seminar, I will present the findings of a large population-based study that used a robust pharmacoepidemiologic approach to address different sources of bias. This study fits within a broader research program in cancer pharmacoepidemiology.

Objectives:

1. To review the role of pharmacotherapies in the management of type 2 diabetes
2. To review the controversies associating pioglitazone with bladder cancer
3. To acquire new knowledge of the possible association between pioglitazone and bladder cancer

Bio:

Dr. Laurent Azoulay is an Associate Professor in the Department of Oncology, UUÖ±²¥. He received his PhD in 2007 from the Université de Montréal, and then joined UUÖ±²¥ in 2009. His research interests are primarily in cancer pharmacoepidemiology. He has conducted numerous studies assessing the association between commonly prescribed drugs and cancer incidence, as well as evaluating the short- and long-term safety of cancer treatments. His research program is funded by a CIHR Foundation Scheme grant.