Association Between Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Use and Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), thereby blocking the synthesis of proinflammatory prostaglandins. In addition to their anti-inflammatory properties, NSAIDs also inhibit neoplastic proliferation by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis.1,2 Epidemiologic studies and randomized trials have shown protective effects of NSAIDs for several cancers including colorectal,3,4 breast,5 prostate,6 and lung.7 Laboratory studies suggest that NSAIDs exert protective effects against cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) both in vitro2,8 and in animal models.9-12 However, few epidemiologic studies have examined the association between NSAID use and SCC risk, and these have yielded conflicting information.13-18 The conflicting results may be due, in part, to differing methods for ascertaining NSAID exposure (eg, relying solely on pharmacy-dispensed NSAIDs),13,14 differing definitions of regular NSAID use,16,18 and lack of adjustment for potential confounding variables such as sun sensitivity.18