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Meta-AnalysisPMC Full Text2017

Coffee, including caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

Kennedy OJ, Roderick P, Buchanan R, et al. • BMJ Open

Key Finding

Two additional daily cups of coffee: 35% HCC risk reduction (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.59-0.72); caffeinated coffee: 27% reduction; decaffeinated: 14% reduction

Key Findings

  • 12 cups/day: 35% HCC risk reduction (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.59-0.72)
  • 2Caffeinated coffee: 27% reduction
  • 3Decaffeinated coffee: 14% reduction
  • 4Effect present even with pre-existing liver disease

Original title: “Coffee, including caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis”

Plain English Summary

Systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of 18 cohort studies (2,272,642 participants; 2,905 HCC cases) and 8 case-control studies found that two additional daily cups of coffee were associated with a 35% reduction in hepatocellular carcinoma risk.

In-Depth Analysis

Abstract

The study examined associations between coffee consumption and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk, assessing both caffeinated and decaffeinated varieties.

Methods

  • •Design: Systematic review with dose-response meta-analysis
  • •Sample: 18 cohort studies (N=2,272,642; 2,905 HCC cases) and 8 case-control studies (1,825 cases; 4,652 controls)
  • •Analysis: Random-effects modeling calculating RRs per two additional daily cups

Key Results

Overall Finding
  • •Two additional daily coffee cups: 35% HCC risk reduction (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.59-0.72)
By Study Type
  • •Cohorts: RR 0.71 (95% CI 0.65-0.77)
  • •Case-control: RR 0.53 (95% CI 0.41-0.69)
By Coffee Type
  • •Caffeinated coffee: 27% risk reduction (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.63-0.85)
  • •Decaffeinated coffee: 14% risk reduction (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.74-1.00)
Effect Modification

No significant differences by baseline liver disease, alcohol, BMI, diabetes, smoking, or hepatitis status.

Paradigm Relevance

How this study applies to different clinical perspectives:

Standard Medical

Relevant

Conventional clinical guidelines used by most doctors

Why it matters:

Supports discussing coffee consumption with patients at elevated liver disease risk. Does not replace standard screening protocols.

Research Consensus

Relevant

Current scientific understanding, often ahead of guidelines

Why it matters:

Strong epidemiological evidence for liver-protective effects. Aligns with studies showing coffee reduces ALT and liver fat.

Metabolic Optimization

Relevant

Proactive targets for optimal health, not just disease absence

Why it matters:

Validates coffee as liver-protective lifestyle factor. 2-3 cups daily reasonable for those tolerating caffeine well, as part of comprehensive liver health optimization.

Study Details

Type
Meta-Analysis
Methodology
Systematic review with dose-response meta-analysis; 18 cohort studies (N=2,272,642; 2,905 HCC cases) and 8 case-control studies (1,825 cases; 4,652 controls); random-effects modeling

Evidence Quality

Grade B - Large meta-analysis (GRADE: very low due to observational design). Source: PMC5730000

Topic

Liver HealthCardiovascular

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Original Source

View on PubMedView DOIFull Text (Open Access)

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