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The Role of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in the Chemoprevention of Breast Cancer

Authors :
Sarah L. Horn
Ian S. Fentiman
Source :
Pharmaceuticals, Vol 3, Iss 5, Pp 1550-1560 (2010)
Publication Year :
2010
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2010.

Abstract

Epidemiological evidence suggests that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which act as cyclooxygenase (COX-2) inhibitors may reduce breast cancer incidence by up to 20%. These agents are often taken for pain relief by older women with osteoarthritis. Age is the major risk factor for breast cancer in women with 50% cases being diagnosed in those aged >65 years. NSAIDs reduce serum estradiol by 17% in post-menopausal women and since most of these who develop breast cancers have estrogen receptor positive tumours; this suggests a possible preventative role. Careful use of these agents could provide a strategy for both relief of symptoms of osteoarthritis and also breast cancer prevention. Instead of conducting a randomised trial, proof of efficacy could be from an adequately powered cohort study within the breast screening programme.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14248247
Volume :
3
Issue :
5
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Pharmaceuticals
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.b4c8422bd23647198d8d97b319151fba
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph3051550