NSAID Lowers Oral Cancer Risk in Smokers; Increases Heart Disease Risk
According to a Norwegian study published in The Lancet - long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (like Ibuprofen or Naproxen) shows promise in preventing mouth cancer in former and current smokers but may pose heart disease risk.
A sample size of more than 900 active and former smokers was used by researchers led by Dr. Jon Sudbo of Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo.
It concluded that use of NSAID painkillers like ibuprofen and naproxen (not aspirin) reduced the risk of mouth cancer by 53% even in active smokers. This is comparable to quitting smoking!
Unfortunately it also doubled users’ risk of death from heart disease.
The study authors said their results show the need for careful risk-benefit analysis when long-term NSAID use is being considered.
What they didn’t mention was additional risk of kidney problems on long term usage of NSAID painkillers.
The study did not include data on use of the cox-2 inhibitor subclass of NSAIDs, which includes Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra.
The findings were first reported last spring at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.
Oral cancer prevention trials of NSAIDs are either planned or already under way.
“Researchers of these trials must carefully monitor potential adverse cardiovascular effects in their populations, which are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease as well as oral cancer, and implement other safety measures such as excluding patients with cardiovascular disease or specific risk factors for cardiovascular disease,” the study authors wrote.
“Over the next few years, these trials will determine whether NSAIDs can reduce the devastating effect of oral cancer on patients, their families, and public health,” the authors noted.
I don’t think the time has yet arrived to announce smoker’s can continue smoking without additional risk of oral cancer. Personally knowing other side-effects of NSAID painkillers I am extremely doubtful if this research will ever be clinically applied at least in USA.
