Bladder Cancer and Painkillers Connection

Author: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Published: 2012/11/11
Category Topic: Cancer and Tumors - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Regular use of non-aspirin non-selective NSAIDs particularly ibuprofen may reduce bladder cancer risk.

Introduction

Researchers explore connection between popular pain relievers, bladder cancer - Duration of ibuprofen use may be related to a reduced risk, especially in those with certain genetic marker.

Main Content

Dartmouth researchers have found that duration of ibuprofen use was associated with a reduced risk of bladder cancer in patients in northern New England, which has a high mortality rate of this disease. In a 2012 collaborative project with the National Cancer Institute, Margaret Karagas, PhD, co-director, Cancer Epidemiology & Chemo-prevention program at Norris Cotton Cancer Center, and Professor of Community and Family Medicine at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, and Richard Waddell, D.Sc, Research Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Geisel School of Medicine, looked for connections between ibuprofen use and bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer and ibuprofen use

Karagas did an earlier study on the relationship between bladder cancer and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) usage in New Hampshire. The new study included patients in Vermont and Maine. Researchers enrolled 1,171 participants newly diagnosed with bladder cancer and 1,418 participants who did not have bladder cancer. Karagas also added a genetic component looking at thirty-nine genes related to NSAID metabolism and studied a new class of NSAIDs known as selective cyclooxygenase (COX-2) inhibitors, such as celecoxib (Celebrex). Their results were published in the International Journal of Cancer (June 2012).

Those with specific genetic traits appear to have reduced risk

The findings in the recent study suggest that "regular use of non-aspirin non-selective NSAIDs, particularly ibuprofen, may reduce bladder cancer risk, especially among regular users for 10 years or more." However, the study also notes that observed reduction in risk was specific to individuals carrying a specific allele (or variant of a gene) related to NSAID metabolism.

Findings suggest further study needed for newer prescription pain reliever

For Karagas one of the novel findings was a trend of an increased risk of bladder cancer for those using selective COX-2 inhibitors, especially celocoxib (Celebrex). Karagas warns against leaping to any conclusions, noting, "further investigation is needed."

Karagas also stresses that this study "does not make any recommendations. It does not, in any way, suggest that patients begin taking ibuprofen as a prophylactic measure against bladder cancer, nor should patients go off any medicine prescribed by their doctor."

This research study was funded by the National Institutes of Health Grant number: N02-CP-01037

About Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth-Hitchcock - Norris Cotton Cancer Center combines advanced cancer research at Dartmouth College and the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth with patient-centered cancer care provided at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock regional locations in Manchester, Nashua, and Keene, NH, and St. Johnsbury, VT, and at 12 partner hospitals throughout New Hampshire and Vermont. It is one of 41 centers nationwide to earn the National Cancer Institute's "Comprehensive Cancer Center" designation. Learn more about Norris Cotton Cancer Center research, programs, and clinical trials online at cancer.dartmouth.edu

Explore Similar Topics

• : Highlighting the growing burden of cancer, the disproportionate impact on underserved populations, and the urgent need to address cancer inequities worldwide.

• : Study researchers identify the risks factors and trends behind an increasing incidence of early-onset cancers around the world.

• : Statement from U.S. FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D. regarding FDA support for exempting coffee from California cancer warning law.

▶ Share Page

Citing and References

- APA | MLA | Chicago | Permalink

APA: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. (2012, November 11). Bladder Cancer and Painkillers Connection. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved November 15, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/health/cancer/connection.php

MLA: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. "Bladder Cancer and Painkillers Connection." Disabled World (DW), 11 Nov. 2012. Web. 15 Nov. 2025. <www.disabled-world.com/health/cancer/connection.php>.

Chicago: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. "Bladder Cancer and Painkillers Connection." Disabled World (DW). November 11, 2012. www.disabled-world.com/health/cancer/connection.php.

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/health/cancer/connection.php">Bladder Cancer and Painkillers Connection</a>: Regular use of non-aspirin non-selective NSAIDs particularly ibuprofen may reduce bladder cancer risk.

While we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date information, our content is for general informational purposes only. Please consult qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.