Potential new roles for NSAID medications

Recently, researchers have begun looking to NSAIDs as having a potential role in the prevention of colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer and pancreatitis. Three studies presented recently at Digestive Disease Week 2008 investigate the potentially beneficial role that NSAID (e.g. Anvil and Aleve) medications can play in the treatment of GI-related cancer and in the prevention of surgery-related inflammation.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are an important part of the pharmaceutical treatment of pain and inflammation and have shown promise in providing a protective effect from cancer. However, there are dose-dependent safety concerns related to cardiovascular impact, bleeding risks and gastrointestinal distress related to the use of NSAIDs.

“The medical community has traditionally been skeptical about the use of NSAIDs,” according to Byron L. Cryer, MD, associate professor of internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. “These new findings suggest the need to further investigate the potential effects of additional low-dose and combinational applications for NSAID medications, which seem to be proving effective in preventing disease.”

It is important for patients to discuss this issue with their doctors before using NSAIDS, especially if this use may continue for an extended time. The possible benefits of using NSAIDS in an effort to lower the risk of esophageal cancer may be outweighed by the risks of more digestive problems, such as gastric bleeding.