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Cell Population Analyses During Skin Carcinogenesis
06:53

Cell Population Analyses During Skin Carcinogenesis

Published on: August 21, 2013

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and the risk of skin cancer: a population-based case-control study

Sigrun Alba Johannesdottir1, Ellen T Chang, Frank Mehnert

  • 1Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark. saj@dce.au.dk

Cancer
|May 31, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce the risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and malignant melanoma (MM). This association was particularly strong with long-term and high-intensity NSAID use.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, potentially preventing cancer development.
  • The study investigated the link between NSAID consumption and the incidence of skin cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between NSAID use and the risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and malignant melanoma (MM).

Main Methods:

  • A population-based case-control study in northern Denmark (1991-2009) identified 1974 SCC, 13,316 BCC, and 3242 MM cases.
  • Approximately 178,655 population controls were matched to cases.
  • NSAID use (aspirin, nonselective NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors) was assessed via prescription records, with analyses using conditional logistic regression.

Main Results:

  • Overall NSAID use was linked to a reduced risk of SCC (IRR, 0.85) and MM (IRR, 0.87), especially with long-term or high-intensity use.
  • NSAID use did not significantly reduce overall BCC risk (IRR, 0.97), but long-term/high-intensity use lowered BCC risk at non-head/neck sites.
  • Reduced risk estimates were primarily driven by nonselective NSAIDs and older COX-2 inhibitors.

Conclusions:

  • NSAID consumption may be associated with a decreased risk of developing SCC and MM.
  • The findings suggest a potential chemopreventive role for NSAIDs against certain skin cancers.

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