Coffee Consumption and Colorectal Cancer Survival: A Dose-Response Meta-analysis by Coffee Type and Disease Stage.

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence suggests that coffee consumption may improve colorectal cancer prognosis. However, its relevance with respect to dose-response, coffee type, and tumor stage remains unclear.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library through May 31, 2025, to identify studies quantifying coffee intake among patients with colorectal cancer. Meta-analyses using random-effects models and dose-response analysis were performed to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and recurrence. Subgroup analyses were stratified by daily intake level, coffee type (caffeinated, decaffeinated, and total), and colorectal cancer stage.

RESULTS

Four prospective cohort studies including 5,442 patients with colorectal cancer (53% male and 47% female) were analyzed with the following disease stage distribution: I (18%), II (18%), III (39%), IV (21%), and unspecified (4%). Coffee consumption was significantly associated with improved OS [HR, 0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.71-0.85], PFS (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.74-0.94), and reduced recurrence (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.66-0.91), showing a 4% reduction in hazard per additional cup per day across all outcomes. The strongest OS benefit was observed in stage III disease (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.41-0.81), corresponding to a 10% reduction per cup.

CONCLUSIONS

Coffee consumption is associated with improved survival and reduced recurrence in patients with colorectal cancer in a dose-dependent and stage-specific manner.

IMPACT: This meta-analysis demonstrates stage- and type-specific survival benefits in colorectal cancer, which may inform more individualized dietary recommendations. It also underscores the need for validation in diverse cohorts and mechanistic studies.