Integrative Bioinformatic and Epidemiological Analysis of Acetaminophen Use and Risk of Sex Hormone-Related Cancers

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is one of the most widely used analgesic and antipyretic drugs worldwide, yet its potential impact on hormonal balance and the risk of hormone-dependent cancers remains unclear. This study aimed to integrate epidemiological and bioinformatic evidence to assess the association between acetaminophen use and the risk of sex hormone-related cancers. A systematic review of preclinical and human studies was complemented by in silico analyses of acetaminophen's molecular targets and their involvement in cancer-related pathways. Epidemiological data indicate that, although experimental studies suggest possible hormonal and reproductive effects, most population-based studies do not support an increased cancer risk, and some even suggest a potential protective effect. Bioinformatic analyses identified genes and pathways associated with ovarian and prostate cancers that may be modulated by acetaminophen, as well as possible links with breast cancer through drug metabolism-related genes. These findings reveal a shared molecular network that may underlie the observed epidemiological patterns. This integrative analysis underscores the need for further basic and clinical research to elucidate acetaminophen's role in hormone-related carcinogenesis and to inform its safe therapeutic use.