Anxiety medication linked to worse outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients

Benzodiazepine lorazepam (Ativan), a drug commonly prescribed to treat anxiety during cancer treatment, has been linked to worse outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients. The findings were published in the AACR journal Clinical Cancer Research. A recent study led by Michael Feigin (Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, NY , USA) has revealed a connection between benzodiazepine usage and outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients. Specifically, patients prescribed benzodiazepine lorazepam (Ativan) experienced shorter progression-free survival rates. In contrast, those taking benzodiazepine alprazolam (Xanax) exhibited notably extended progression-free survival. Benzodiazepines have dominated the pharmaceutical market as compounds that target GABAA receptors. They are recognized for their...