Long-term use of NSAID reduces the risk of oral cancer

Abstract

1004 Background: Oral cancer is a tobacco-related cancer, with high morbidity and mortality. Although there is evidence of a possible protective effect of aspirin on oesophageal cancer, only scattered data exist on its role on cancer of the oral cavity or larynx. Methods: We performed a population-based nested case-control study by combining data from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health and the Norwegian Cancer Registry. Among persons accrued to the health survey in the period 1975–1990, 3275 persons at high risk for oral cancer, as judged by their tobacco habits, were identified through the databases of a population based national health survey, and the occurrence of carcinomas in this group was assessed through cross-linking with the database of the Norwegian cancer Registry. Additional information regarding smoking habits, medication, age, sex and comorbidity was entered in the database of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Results: Among the 3275 persons identified to be at risk of oral cancer, 496 were identified with a squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. 496 matches controls were identified among the other 2779 person identified to be at risk of oral cancer. The hazard ration for developing oral cancer was. Among the 992 person included in the analysis (496 person from the case group and 496 person from the matched control group), 690 did not have a history of long-term NSAID use, while 302 did. The hazard ratio for developing oral cancer was 0.53 among the person who used NSAIDs. This cancer protective effect was time dependent, with hazard ratios of 0.61, 0.55, and 0.42 in person who had used NSAIDs for 6 to 12 months, 1 to 5 years, and more than 5 years, respectively. Conclusions: The long-term use of NSAIDs seems to have a protective effect on the incidence of squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity. Author Disclosure Employment or Leadership Consultant or Advisory Stock Ownership Honoraria Research Funding Expert Testimony Other Remuneration Pfizer Pfizer Pfizer