Proton pump inhibitors and Gastric cancer correlation; Time to take it seriously?”

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI) are the most prescribed drugs globally, which are highly potent gastric acid suppressors, known for the management of numerous diseases. There is a notable correlation between Gastric cancer and PPI. It is highlighted that the underlying mechanism is in close association with a study conducted 30 years ago, which showed excessive inhibition of gastric acid secretion in rodents, with secondary hypergastrinemia, that led to enterochromaffin-like-cell (ECL) hyperplasia. In conclusion, based on the scarce literature, it is evident that the safety of PPI is under a dilemma. Developing countries like Pakistan, where there is an excessive prescription of PPI, often without justification, are a significant burden on the economy as well as a threat to life, keeping in view of the significant correlation between PPI and gastric cancer.