Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Use in the Prevention and Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma

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Abstract
Background. Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs are widely reported to inhibit carcinogenesis. Objective. The objective was to review the literature on nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in the prevention and treatment of cancer as it pertains to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Methods. We searched MEDLINE and performed a review of all published data on nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and cutaneous oncogenesis. Results. In vitro and animal data strongly suggest a role for cyclooxygenase‐2 in the formation of actinic keratoses and squamous cell carcinomas. Further observational studies and clinical trials are needed to assess their putative role in chemoprevention. Conclusions. Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs have activity against squamous cell carcinomas in vitro and in animal models, as well as in precursor lesions of squamous cell carcinomas. Human trials using selective cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors are currently in progress and should offer exciting information regarding the chemopreventative function of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs.