Regular use of analgesics is a risk factor for renal cell carcinoma

Phenacetin-based analgesics have been linked to the development of renal pe lvis cancer and renal cell carcinoma (RCC); The relationship between non-ph enacetin types of analgesics and kidney cancer is less clear, although labo ratory evidence suggests that these drugs possess carcinogenic potential. A population-based case-control study involving 1204 non-Asian RCC patients aged 25-74 and an equal number of sex-, age- and race-matched neighbourhood controls was conducted in Los Angeles, California, to investigate the rela tionship between sustained use of analgesics and risk of RCC according to m ajor formulation categories. Detailed information on medical and medication histories, and other lifestyle factors was collected through in-person int erviews. Regular use of analgesics was a significant risk factor for RCC in both men and women (odds ratio (OR) = 1.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.4-1.9 for both sexes combined). Risks were elevated across all four major classes of analgesics (aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents oth er than aspirin, acetaminophen and phenacetin). Within each class of analge sics, there was statistically significant increasing risk with increasing l evel of exposure. Although there was some minor variability by major class of formulation, in general individuals in the highest exposure categories e xhibited approximately 2.5-fold increase in risk relative to non- or irregu lar users of analgesics. Subjects who took one regular-strength (i.e. 325 m g) aspirin a day or less for cardiovascular disease prevention were not at an increased risk of RCC (OR = 0.9, 95% CI = 0.0-1.4). (C) 1999 Cancer Rese arch Campaign.