Analgesic and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory use in relation to nonmelanoma skin cancer: A population-based case-control study

  • Dorothea C. Torti
  • , Brock C. Christensen
  • , Craig A. Storm
  • , Joan Fortuny
  • , Ann E. Perry
  • , Michael S. Zens
  • , Therese Stukel
  • , Steven K. Spencer
  • , Heather H. Nelson
  • , Margaret R. Karagas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are potentially chemopreventive. Objective: We examined the relation between NSAID use and nonmelanoma skin cancer in a population-based case-control study. Methods: NSAID and analgesic use was analyzed in 1484 participants: 535 with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 487 with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and 462 control subjects. Results: Use of NSAIDs, particularly aspirin, was associated with a reduced odds ratio (OR) of SCC, especially tumors positive for p53 (OR 0.29; 95% confidence interval 0.11-0.79) or with PTCH loss of heterozygosity (OR 0.35; 95% confidence interval 0.13-0.96). Although not considered a NSAID, decreased ORs of both basal cell carcinoma and SCC were observed in relation to use of paracetamol (acetaminophen). Risk of BCC was unrelated to NSAID use. Limitations: Self-reported drug use was a limitation. Conclusions: This study supports the hypothesis that NSAIDs, aspirin in particular, may reduce risk of SCC and may affect specific molecular subtypes of SCC.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)304-312
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Volume65
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2011

Keywords

  • PTCH
  • basal cell carcinoma
  • case-control study
  • nonmelanoma skin cancer
  • nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
  • p53
  • squamous cell carcinoma

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