Brief Articles
Copyright ©2009 The WJG Press and Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. May 21, 2009; 15(19): 2336-2339
Published online May 21, 2009. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.2336
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and statins in relation to colorectal cancer risk
Mazyar Shadman, Polly A Newcomb, John M Hampton, Karen J Wernli, Amy Trentham-Dietz
Mazyar Shadman, Polly A Newcomb, Karen J Wernli, Cancer Prevention Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle 98109, United States
Mazyar Shadman, Polly A Newcomb, Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, United States
John M Hampton, Amy Trentham-Dietz, Polly A Newcomb, University of Wisconsin Paul P, Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, Madison 53726, United States
Author contributions: Newcomb PA and Shadman M designed this specific study; Newcomb PA, Hampton JM and Shadman M analyzed the data and provided their statistical expertise; Shadman M drafted the article; Newcomb PA, Wernli KJ and Trentham-Dietz A critically revised the article; Newcomb PA designed the main study, obtained the funding, and provided administrative support.
Correspondence to: Polly A Newcomb, MPH, PhD, Cancer Prevention Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Ave. N., M4-B402, PO Box 19024, Seattle, WA 98109-1024, United States. pnewcomb@fhcrc.org
Telephone: +1-206-6673476
Fax: +1-206-6677850
Received: February 3, 2009
Revised: April 21, 2009
Accepted: April 28, 2009
Published online: May 21, 2009
Abstract

AIM: To investigate the association between individual or combined use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or statins and colorectal cancer risk.

METHODS: In a population-based case-control study in women, we examined the association between NSAIDs and statin use and the risk of colorectal cancers. We further investigated whether the use of statins modifies the protective effect of NSAIDs. Female cases (n = 669) of colorectal cancer aged 50-74 years were identified from a statewide registry in Wisconsin during 1999-2001. Community control women (n = 1375) were randomly selected from lists of licensed drivers and Medicare beneficiaries. Medication use and risk factor information were gathered during a structured telephone interview. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to calculate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS: Overall, NSAIDs users had a 30% reduction in risk of colorectal cancer (95% CI: 0.56-0.88). Statin use was not associated with colorectal cancer risk (OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.74-1.85), regardless of structural type (lipophilic or hydrophilic), duration of use, or recency. There was no evidence of an interaction between NSAIDs and statins and colorectal cancer risk (P-interaction = 0.28).

CONCLUSION: Although our results confirm the inverse association between NSAIDs use and colorectal cancer risk, they do not support a risk reduction in statin users, or an interaction effect of combined NSAIDs and statin use.

Keywords: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; Statin; Colorectal cancer; Cancer prevention; Chemoprevention