Ibuprofen seems to have anti-cancer effects

A recent medical news story suggests that a common pain remedy called ibuprofen may have anti-cancer properties.

Ibuprofen is part of a class of medications called NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Many brands of over-the-counter pain remedies contain ibuprofen, e.g. Advil, Motrin IB, etc.

Do anti-inflammatory medicines counteract cancer?

There has long been an interest in anti-inflammatory products and their potential to prevent cancer, or reduce risk of recurrence. Initially, research focused on aspirin, but since the development of non-aspirin products based in acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen, these products tend to outsell aspirin for the relief of aches, pains, and fever reduction.

It’s no surprise, then, that research on cancer prevention by drugs that reduce inflammation shifted focus from aspirin to non-aspirin. Inflammation is a known precursor for many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and cancer. In fact, inflammation is a known risk factor for prostate cancer.

Thus, it’s common sense that reducing inflammation may reduce the risk of prostate cancer as well as others.

Ibuprofen and cancer risk

There are several mechanisms by which ibuprofen interacts with the body in ways that might help reduce the risk of cancer. One is by blocking certain enzymes called prostaglandins that promote cell growth. Cell growth is connected with tissue repair after injury, which is good, but chronic inflammation is linked with unchecked cell growth, which is connected with cancer. Thus, if ibuprofen helps slow cell growth, it may discourage tumor development.

Also, ibuprofen seems to act against certain gene activity, possibly making cancer cells more vulnerable to treatments like chemotherapy.

Thus, various studies analyzing data on the relationship between ibuprofen use and different cancers have had promising results. These include endometrial cancer (uterine lining) and bowel cancer. However, the research in general shows mixed results, and many factors could account for varying success: differences in dosage, duration of drug use, previously undiagnosed or undetected disease, etc. It’s not yet possible to generalize conclusions on ibuprofen (or any other NSAID) in terms of a preventive effect against cancer.

Ibuprofen and prostate cancer

There have been a small number of studies on ibuprofen and prostate cancer (PCa). For example, a 2021 paper examined both laboratory effects of ibuprofen and aspirin on PCa cells as well as the effects of different dosage types on men with and without PCa. It found that when anti-inflammatories were formulated with very small particles of the active ingredient vs. normal size particles, the biological effect on cells seemed more powerful—but the study did not produce information on actual cancer prevention rates.^[i] 

In short, there is simply not enough scientific information at this time to justify a belief that ibuprofen can protect against PCa. Without a doctor’s advice, consumers should NEVER decide to begin using NSAIDs in hopes of reducing cancer risk. Use of any medical product, including over-the-counter medications, without supervision can have harmful side effects.

On the other hand, evidence continues to accumulate that a healthy diet, exercise, stress management, and annual screening tests have a positive impact, generating greater odds of a long and cancer-free life.

NOTE: This content is solely for purposes of information and does not substitute for diagnostic or medical advice. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing pelvic pain, or have any other health concerns or questions of a personal medical nature.

References

[i] Guma A, Akhtar S, Najafzadeh M, Isreb M et al. Ex vivo/in vitro effects of aspirin and ibuprofen, bulk and nano forms, in peripheral lymphocytes of prostate cancer patients and healthy individuals. Mutat Res Genet Toxicol Environ Mutagen. 2021 Jan-Feb;861-862:503306.