Abstract
BackgroundEpidemiologic and laboratory investigations suggest that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have chemopreventive effects against breast cancer due to their activity against cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the rate-limiting enzyme of the prostaglandin cascade.MethodsWe conducted a case control study of breast cancer designed to compare effects of selective and non-selective COX-2 inhibitors. A total of 323 incident breast cancer patients were ascertained from the James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, during 2003–2004 and compared with 649 cancer free controls matched to the cases at a 2:1 ratio on age, race, and county of residence. Data on the past and current use of prescription and over the counter medications and breast cancer risk factors were ascertained using a standardized risk factor questionnaire. Effects of COX-2 inhibiting agents were quantified by calculating odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals.ResultsResults showed significant risk reductions for selective COX-2 inhibitors as a group (OR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.14–0.59), regular aspirin (OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.26–0.94), and ibuprofen or naproxen (0.36, 95% CI = 0.18–0.72). Acetaminophen, a compound with negligible COX-2 activity and low dose aspirin (81 mg) produced no significant change in the risk of breast cancer.ConclusionSelective COX-2 inhibitors (celecoxib and rofecoxib) were only recently approved for use in 1999, and rofecoxib (Vioxx) was withdrawn from the marketplace in 2004. Nevertheless, even in the short window of exposure to these compounds, the selective COX-2 inhibitors produced a significant (71%) reduction in the risk of breast cancer, underscoring their strong potential for breast cancer chemoprevention.
Highlights
Epidemiologic and laboratory investigations suggest that nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have chemopreventive effects against breast cancer due to their activity against cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the rate-limiting enzyme of the prostaglandin cascade
A significant reduction in the risk of breast cancer was observed for daily intake of selective COX-2 inhibitors for two years or more (OR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.14–0.59)
Significant risk reductions were observed for the intake of two or more pills per week of regular aspirin (OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.26–0.95), and ibuprofen or naproxen (OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.18–0.72)
Summary
Epidemiologic and laboratory investigations suggest that nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have chemopreventive effects against breast cancer due to their activity against cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the rate-limiting enzyme of the prostaglandin cascade. Despite compelling evidence that COX-2 inhibitors have powerful anti-cancer effects, several clinical trials designed to evaluate these compounds in the chemoprevention and therapy of neoplasms have been discontinued or suspended [1,2]. Both the magnitude and the direction of effect of selective COX-2 blockers on the risk of cardiovascular disease is the (page number not for citation purposes). Age (yrs) 65 Mean (SEM). Body Mass BMI < 22 BMI 22–28 BMI > 28 Mean (SEM).
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