New study - American large study showing that ovarian cancer patients taking aspirin or NSAIDs have a better survival rate

[drdu]

Hi again.

I typed this out once and it disappeared when I tried to add a tag, and so here goes again.

The links below are a Lancet article summary, from 17 July (2nd link), and an article on 23 July by a science journalist about the article (1st link).

The articles are self-explanatory. This was a very large American study over 40 years or so. Those who took aspirin or an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug eg ibuprofen) after initial diagnosis and standard treatment had a better chance of survival.

I heard about these articles from 2 friends who know about me, or else I would not have seen them, as I am not aware of anything in the press, and Cancer Research UK have made no mention of the original article in the Lancet in their regular newsletter which I get. And I can find nothing on their website!

I think this article is very important, and should have been better publicized so that patients with ovarian cancer would know about it. It is very disappointing. However fortunately I can bring it to your attention. It is possible that someone has posted about this article already, as I don't go on this website all that regularly, and so maybe I missed it. If so, my apologies.

Would be glad to hear your comments. Or if something has been posted already, can you please direct me to the post.

Best wishes to all.

Eileen x

cancernetwork.com/ovarian-c...

thelancet.com/journals/lano...

[drdu]

PS have discovered that Worried Husband posted something about this 16 days ago, but he doesn't have same link, and so it is worth looking at my links. Thanks.

E x

[drdu]

Worried Husband's link is a detailed comment on the Lancet article and another study. Interesting - here it is again

moffitt.org/newsroom/press-...

[drdu in reply to drdu]

Sorry, me again! For those of you who don't know me, I have taken ibuprofen to try to prevent recurrence of ovarian cancer, and it appears to be working so far, fingers crossed.

E x

[coksd]

Thanks Eileen I tried to get the 75mg disprin in the pharmacy here in Ireland and they said they are only on prescription, I might try breaking the standard ones down anything like this is definitely worth trying.

[drdu in reply to coksd]

Aspirin (disprin is trade name) is not necessarily on prescription in UK, and can be bought over the counter. You are best to speak to your GP anyway about it as it is not for everyone, and can have side effects. It is probably wise to take omeprazole20mg capsules 1 capsule daily, or similar, to protect your stomach, as aspirin can cause gastritis (inflammation of stomach) and even perforation of stomach or bleeding from stomach. So please speak to your doctor (GP or oncologist) before starting it. It is difficult to quarter the 300mg tablet of aspirin/disprin. If you print out or show them these articles it may help.

Best wishes.

Eileen x

[sticky3006]

Thank you for the info. I'm going to start taking either aspirin or ibuprofen and ask my GP to prescribe omeprazole. There's a lot of interesting research into anti-inflammatories that it's got to be worth a try x

[drdu in reply to sticky3006]

Yes, this is a very reputable article in the Lancet, a very reputable journal, and it is a big study, the first that shows the benefit of taking aspirin/NSAIDs in ovarian cancer to prevent recurrence. The HR (hazard ratio) of 0.44 for aspirin and 0.46 for NSAIDs in people who have only started taking aspirin or NSAID since their diagnosis, having previously been a non-taker means that such patients are 0.44/0.46 to 1 at risk of ovarian cancer death, ie less than half as likely to die of ovarian cancer as those who don't take aspirin/ibuprofen. Or to put it another way those who don't take aspirin or an NSAID are more than twice as likely to die of ovarian cancer compared to those who never took aspirin/NSAIDs till after their diagnosis with ovarian cancer.

The Cancer network article by Dave Levitan is probably the clearest on this, especially for non-medics.

American oncologists have been taking far more interest in aspirin/NSAIDs as anti-cancer agents than UK oncologists as far as I can see. I don't know why. Anyway hopefully this Lancet study is a game-changer for ovarian cancer, and further studies/trials will happen asap, as the Lancet article recommends.

E x

[sticky3006 in reply to drdu]

Great. Thanks for the information. It's good to be as informed as possible x

[drdu in reply to sticky3006]

Yes x

[ElayneZ]

Hi - seems I read somewhere in past couple weeks that taking daily aspirin should be after chemo ends. Is that correct?

[coksd in reply to ElayneZ]

I was told by the prof not to take paracetamol or ibuprofen containing products in-case it masks a serious infection and the nurse said its more likely around 10-14 days after chemo if its going to happen but everyone is different and if there are any underlying problems too.

[drdu in reply to ElayneZ]

Yes definitely aspirin or anti-inflammatory should not be taken while on major standard chemotherapy as the chemo is powerful enough on its own, and there would be a higher risk of bleeding (from anywhere) if aspirin or ibuprofen or similar was taken during chemo. It would be for when chemo is over. Please see my last post and my previous posts. Sorry I realise I haven't said that I am a retired GP and so am used to dealing with patients on aspirin, NSAIDs etc.

Best wishes.

Eileen x

[27-359]

Thanks for that Eileen. I am more convinced than ever now!

Jenny

[drdu in reply to 27-359]

Good! Yes, this article is clear and convincing re improved outlook if on aspirin or NSAID. Further studies/trials should be done as quickly as possible.

E x

[Colman]

Thanks for the info.

Claire x

[drdu in reply to Colman]

You are welcome. All best wishes.

E x

[March2017]

What dosage of aspirin or ibruprofen ?

[drdu in reply to March2017]

75mg aspirin tablet, one daily, or ibuprofen 400mg tablet, one tablet 3 times a day with or after food. But please don't start these without speaking to your oncologist or GP, as they do not suit everyone, and are strong drugs which can have side effects, especially on the stomach, see above. You should take omeprazole 20mg daily or similar, see above, to protect your stomach. Your GP or oncologist will know if it is safe for you to take aspirin or NSAID, as they know your past medical history. Please have a look at my previous posts on this subject. My last post about 10 days ago was on this topic.

Best wishes.

E x

[Di16]

I think I remember, Eileen, that you advised once that Aspirin should be started while in remission rather when having oc treatment. Is this still advised? Di

[drdu in reply to Di16]

Yes, definitely. Aspirin should not be taken along with major chemo, see above. Best when in full remission to try to prevent recurrence. Please see my previous posts.

Best wishes.

E x

[Howick01]

I think that both these drugs should be taken under medical supervision as both have side effects.

However if you think it will work for you ,why not?

[drdu in reply to Howick01]

Yes, medical supervision needed. Sorry, don't think I saw this before.

Best wishes.

Eileen

[lynn6156]

I don't think I'll be allowed aspirin / nsaids because of other diseases, but I'm thinking that because these are prescribed for anti inflammatory effect, it must be worth taking natural anti inflammatory remedies (for those who can't do the aspirin). So, I'm thinking green tea, turmeric, ginger and anything with high antioxidants must be worth a go.

Lynn

x

[drdu in reply to lynn6156]

Possibly. I know that turmeric or cucurmin appears to have an anti-cancer effect, in some people anyway.

E x

[Solange]

Thank you for posting these reports, Eileen. Glad you are still doing well.

Best wishes, Solange 😊

[drdu in reply to Solange]

Thank you, Solange. All best wishes to you.

E xx

[27-359]

Yes, this is really interesting and has convinced me to continue with the aspirin. I did in fact read these studies a few days ago, though can't remember where I saw them posted. It could have been ovacome or one of the other sites I am on. I am an avid reader of all the ovarian cancer websites and am always taking notes! Can I ask you what you think about the buzz going round about cannabis oil? I am on an invitation only site and people are having some success with containing their cancer.

Jenny

[drdu in reply to 27-359]

I am no expert re cannabis oil, but know it has been on the ovacome website since I joined over 5 years ago. I tend to go by what the cancer research UK website says. I think when I last looked they thought it may have some anti-cancer effect but that there have not been good studies to show that. I don't really know much about it. Sorry.

Best wishes.

E x

[WoodyB]

A very useful study and one which surely must be followed up thoroughly. My wife takes a PARP inhibitor (olaparib) but I would imagine there have not yet been any studies to indicate whether it is safe or beneficial to take aspirin/ibuprofen at the same time.

[drdu in reply to WoodyB]

I have heard from several individual women that their oncologist has let them take aspirin or ibuprofen along with a PARP inhibitor, but it's best to discuss this with the oncologist first as they have best knowledge of the patient. I know that 3 years ago after chemo a trial of a PARP inhibitor was offered to me, and my oncologist said I could carry on with ibuprofen while on the trial.

Best wishes.

Eileen

[WoodyB]

Many thanks Eileen, very helpful as always. Did you not do the trial?

[drdu in reply to WoodyB]

No. It was offered twice in 2014 when I had recurrence after having been off ibuprofen for 10.5 weeks in 2013 (see previous posts). Offered as alternative to full chemo caelyx/cisplatin, but I went for the full chemo. And offered at end of chemo, when I decided to rely on ibuprofen alone, which I trusted having very fortunately got full remission for a third time, CA125 of 6 and NED on ct scan.

[WoodyB]

Thank you. Really pleased for you that ibuprofen is so effective. One day we might all be taking it !!

[drdu in reply to WoodyB]

Could be!

[drdu in reply to WoodyB]

And thanks x

[Luci22]

Thanks for posting DrDu, so nice to get an update. Some questions come to mind after reading, hope you don't mind, or anyone who knows:

1. Is it to be taken daily (7 days/week)? The study said 1-5 tablets/week?

2 . Do you think NSAID creams such as Voltarin for muscle pains would add benefit to already taking aspirin or would that be too much in the system? I thought I read in the article that taking too much wouldn't be good. (Can't find where I read that now.)

3. Is it sufficient to take omeprazole 20mg daily if you once had an ulcer? Or should people with ulcer history stay away even if taking omeprazole?

Thanks again, glad it's working so well for you.

[drdu in reply to Luci22]

Sorry, don't seem to have replied to this. Don't think anti-inflammatory cream would be helpful. Yes, fewer pills per week might well be enough. I take ibuprofen every day.

Best wishes.

Eileen

[drdu in reply to Luci22]

Sorry, realised I had missed bit about ulcer history. Would say it could be dangerous to take aspirin, even with omeprazole, if you have a history of an ulcer. You would need to discuss that with your doctor, who knows your whole medical history. Omeprazole would need to be 20mg daily, not any less, but history of ulcer is a bit worrying, makes it risky.

Best wishes.

Eileen

[jools53]

How was caeylx/cisplatin for you? Did you loose hair etc! What stage are you etc kind regards jools x

[drdu in reply to jools53]

I found caelyx/cisplatin exhausting and not pleasant. My hair went thinner but I didn't lose it. Have been left with slightly sensitive soles of feet, and they always feel slightly warm. Sorry missed this before.

Best wishes.

Eileen

[drdu in reply to jools53]

Sorry, I was stage 3 (PPC) when diagnosed, but NED now, having had 2 previous relapses, see my previous posts.

E xx

[Roobarb1]

Hi there, I have just finished 6 lots of chemo for my OC and had a meeting with my consultant to go through my end of chemo scan etc.

Anyway I asked her about taking low dose aspirin & she was extremely enthusiastic about it. To be honest she said the vast majority of over 50s should take it even if no cancer and lots of docs already do, but she also said as long as no stomach issues to go ahead as it does seems to aid in preventing recurrence, although it is clearly not doing that for everyone. She was quite clear that it will not shrink existing tumours but it was a good idea if scans are clear & treatment is finished (I’ve still got RT to go so not started yet) - she said low dose aspirin, 75mg, soluble, 1 a day, you can buy from the chemist.

I also have a funny nodule on my lung, she recommended vitamin d supplements for lung health, like COD liver oil supplements.

She was quite clear that these supplements do not cure cancer though (disclaimer lol).

[drdu in reply to Roobarb1]

Very interesting. No, they don't cure cancer, just keep it at bay. I wouldn't dare stop ibuprofen, but am very well on it, hillwalking, playing competitive tennis etc - not bad for age 70!

Best wishes.

Eileen x

[LittleSan]

I'm hearing more and more good stuff about aspirin and vitamin D. Worth a whirl! I've had a nodule on my lung for 7 years and it's stayed just that! Xx

[drdu in reply to LittleSan]

All best wishes.

Eileen x

[ZengTzuer]

Hi drdu, thanks for sharing and all your posts! I wonder if you have specific reasons in choosing Ibuprofen over aspirin? Is it a good idea to also take omeprazole with aspirin to protect the stomach?

[drdu in reply to ZengTzuer]

No, no specific reason. Just chance. I was taking ibuprofen and then another anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac for an injury I had, and then realised that it could have stopped the cancer recurring. I therefore continued with an anti-inflammatory, ie ibuprofen because I was used to taking it anyway and it appeared to work for me. Yes, I think it is safest to take omeprazole 20mg daily or similar if you take aspirin.

Best wishes.

Eileen

[ElayneZ in reply to drdu]

Hi - I just finished 18 weeks of Taxol/carbo and I’m researching options. I also have taken diclofenac but was told explicitly by doc and pharmacist to take with Tylenol - not Advil. Do you take with Advil/ibuprofen?

[drdu in reply to ElayneZ]

Hi Elayne. You can't take diclofenac and ibuprofen as they are both anti-inflammatory drugs and should not be taken together as they act the same way and would be dangerous. Either of them would be fine, but not both. We don't have Tylenol in UK but I think it is paracetamol or paracetamol/codeine mixture? Should say on packet/leaflet. You should take something like omeprazole if taking an anti inflammatory in order to protect your stomach. Hope that is useful.

All best wishes.

Eileen

[ElayneZ in reply to drdu]

Thank you. I had misunderstood from your previous post. Blessings!

[Hidden]

Interesting reading and in so many ways an easy & accessible way to help ourselves.

[drdu]

Yes. Best wishes.

E x