Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and the risk of lung cancer? Current evidence and future directions.

DPP-4 inhibitors are prescribed in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with or without cardiovascular disease. When used together, ACE inhibitors and DPP-4 inhibitors may act synergistically and further amplify the risk of developing lung cancer. Consequently, physicians should consider this plausible association while prescribing them concomitantly especially in high-risk patients. Well planned research studies are required to assess the association of DPP-4 inhibitors with lung cancer and other adverse effects linked to an increase in the levels of SP and bradykinin.