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| | | ![]() NSAIDs May Mask Prostate Cancer Marker ATLANTA -- September 8, 2008 -- Regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce serum levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) and hence may alter the detection of prostate cancer in individuals who take these medications, according to a study published early online and in the October 15 issue of Cancer. Eric A. Singer, MD, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, and colleagues compared blood PSA levels and NSAID and acetaminophen consumption in a large group of men in the United States. The investigators determined PSA levels in 1,319 men aged older than 40 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2002), a massive health census conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Individuals who used NSAIDs regularly had PSA levels that were approximately 10% lower compared with men who did not take these drugs. The investigators said their study suggests that regular NSAID consumption may reduce serum PSA levels. What impact this may have on the development of prostate cancer, irrespective of PSA, is unclear. "Given the widespread consumption of NSAIDs and the regular use of PSA for the assessment of prostate cancer risk, the potential implications of our findings may be substantial and warrant further investigation," the authors wrote. SOURCE: American Cancer Society
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