Aspirin use and head and neck cancer survival: an observational study of 11,623 person-years follow-up

Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been associated with reduced risks for certain human cancers. However, the effects of aspirin and NSAIDs on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain controversial, and the prognostic effects of these drugs in patients with HNSCC are largely unknown. This study examined the clinical impact of aspirin and NSAIDs on disease recurrence and survival in patients with HNSCC. This study analysed a cohort of 1392 consecutive patients who received definitive treatment for previously untreated HNSCC at our tertiary referral center. Aspirin or NSAID use was considered positive if the patients were receiving aspirin or NSAID medication from HNSCC diagnosis to at least 1 year after treatment initiation. Cox proportional hazard models were utilised to determine the association of aspirin and/or NSAID use with recurrence, survival, and second primary cancer occurrence. Of 1392 patients, 81 (5.8%) and 89 (6.4%) received post-diagnosis treatment with aspirin and NSAIDs, respectively. After controlling for clinical factors, aspirin and NSAIDs were not significantly associated with recurrence, survival, or second cancer occurrence (P > 0.05). The cumulative dose of aspirin or NSAIDs did not alter survival outcomes (P > 0.05). Our data illustrated that the use of aspirin or NSAIDs has no effect on survival or recurrence in patients with HNSCC.