There is a lack of toxicology data on one bupropion metabolite, and limited literature
examining bupropion use and cancer risk. This study evaluates the association between
bupropion exposure and the development of cancer of the prostate, breast, lung, colon/rectum,
urinary bladder, and uterus by comparing the risk of cancer in bupropion users with other
antidepressant users. Because there is no evidence that bupropion is associated with any
particular cancer, we have chosen the six most common cancers diagnosed in the United States
to optimize statistical power/precision for cancer-site specific comparisons. Two US
population-based data resources with automated claims, pharmacy, and tumor registry data are
included in this study. Using a nested case-control design, this study will compare the
incidence of cancer in patients exposed to bupropion with the incidence in patients exposed
to other antidepressants.