Aspirin for Prostate Cancer?

In an observational study of men with localized prostate cancer, aspirin use was associated with lower cancer-specific mortality.

Recently published data suggest that daily aspirin use can lower cancer incidence and mortality (JW Gen Med Apr 24 2012). In the present study, researchers examined whether aspirin improved outcomes in 6000 patients with localized prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy. The data came from the multicenter CaPSURE study, an observational investigation of men with prostate cancer, about a third of whom used aspirin.

During median follow-up of 6 years, 3.2% of participants died of prostate cancer. Unadjusted 10-year estimated prostate cancer–specific mortality was significantly lower among aspirin users than nonusers (2% vs. 8%). In multivariable analysis (with adjustment for clinical stage, Gleason score, and treatment modality), cancer-specific mortality remained significantly lower among aspirin users than among nonusers (hazard ratio, 0.43).

Comment

This report has numerous limitations, including a lack of information on duration of aspirin use, comorbidities, and overall mortality in aspirin users versus nonusers. Still, the results are sufficiently provocative and plausible that it seems reasonable to offer aspirin therapy to men with prostate cancer who have no strong contraindications.

Reviewing Author

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Allan S. Brett, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Citation(s):

Choe KS et al. Aspirin use and the risk of prostate cancer mortality in men treated with prostatectomy or radiotherapy. J Clin Oncol 2012 Oct 1; 30:3540. (http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2011.41.0308)