NSAID use and risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer
Principal Investigator
Name
Kaja Michalczyk
Degrees
M.D., Ph.D.
Institution
Pomeranian Medical University
Position Title
post- doctorate senior researcher
About this CDAS Project
Study
PLCO
(Learn more about this study)
Project ID
PLCO-1988
Initial CDAS Request Approval
Dec 22, 2025
Title
NSAID use and risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer
Summary
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such ibuprofen, are a group of medications that are commonly used to treat pain. The associations of NDAIDs use and cancer risk have been studied among different cancer types especially colorectal, prostate and thyroid; however, there is limited knowledge on their use and the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer. The primary proposed mechanism through which NSAIDs may influence cancer risk is by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, particularly COX-2. These enzymes are key players in the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that can promote inflammation, cell growth, and the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to thrive.
Using data from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial, we propose to prospectively evaluate the association between the use of NSAIDs and the risk of ovarian cancer and its associations within specific sub-groups of the study population including patients’ age, sex, ethnicity, BMI, comorbidities, smoking status, use of HRT or contraception, and menopausal status
Aims
To evaluate whether ibuprofen use is associated with ovarian and endometrial cancer risk.
- to evaluate if the amount of ibuprofen tablets used is associated with ovarian and endometrial cancer risk
- to evaluate if it is associated with cancer location (ovarian/ fallopian tube/ peritoneal)
- to evaluate its associations within specific sub-groups of the study population including patients’ age, sex, ethnicity, BMI, smoking status, use of HRT or contraception, and menopausal status
- to determine if the use of ibuprofen is associated with the use of aspirin
- to determine if its use was associated with patient medical history of any prior surgeries
- to determine its associations with patients' comorbidities including arthritis, hypertension, heart attack or stroke
Collaborators
Kaja Michalczyk Pomeranian Medical University
Anita Chudecka-Głaz Pomeranian Medical University