NSAIDs may hinder detection of prostate cancer

New research has revealed that regular use of aspirin, ibuprofen, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is associated with lower levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), a biomarker for prostate cancer.

Study results showed that men who reported using NSAIDs on a daily basis had PSA levels that were approximately 10% lower than men who did not take the drugs.

The significance of these findings is unclear. They could mean that regular use of NSAIDs offers protection against prostate cancer. However, there is also the possibility that they may simply lower PSA levels, and therefore reduce the sensitivity of PSA as a screening tool for prostate cancer.

The authors conclude: "Given the widespread consumption of NSAIDs and the regular use of PSA for the assessment of prostate cancer risk, the potential implications of our findings may be substantial and warrant further investigation."

Singer EA, Palapattu GS, van Wijngaarden E.Prostate-specific antigen levels in relation to consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen: Results from the 2001-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Cancer. Published Online: September 8, 2008 (DOI: 10.1002/cncr.23806).Print Issue Date: October 15, 2008.