Effect of ibuprofen on elevated PSA levels in men

Randomized Controlled Trial of Anti-inflammatory Medications in Patients With Elevated Serum Prostate-specific Antigen

Phase 4 Interventional University of Chicago · NCT05512754

This study is testing whether taking ibuprofen can lower high PSA levels in men who might need more tests for prostate issues.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexMale
SponsorUniversity of Chicago Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05512754 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the impact of ibuprofen, a common over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, on men with elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Elevated PSA can indicate various conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia and inflammation, rather than prostate cancer. The study aims to determine if ibuprofen can reduce PSA levels in patients who are being considered for further diagnostic testing. Participants will be male patients aged 18-80 with a PSA greater than 3 ng/ml and a normal digital rectal examination.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are male patients aged 18-80 with elevated PSA levels and no clinical symptoms of urinary tract infection.

Not a fit: Patients with active urinary tract infections, known prostate cancer, or severe chronic kidney disease are unlikely to benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive treatment option to lower PSA levels and reduce unnecessary diagnostic procedures.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of NSAIDs for prostate inflammation is common, this specific approach to assess ibuprofen's impact on PSA levels is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male patients age between 18-80 years old with a screening PSA \> 3 ng/ml being considered for additional diagnostic testing (e.g., MRI, biopsy)
* Normal digital rectal examination.
* No clinical symptoms concerning acute urinary tract infection (e.g. dysuria, malodorous urine, positive urine culture)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active urinary tract infections or bacteriuria
* Known prostate cancer
* Urethral catheter within the last 6 weeks
* History of hypersensitivity or allergy to ibuprofen or NSAIDs.
* Known severe chronic kidney disease: eGFR \< 30 mL/min/1.73 m2
* Known history of severe liver disease (elevated AST or ALT greater than 3 times upper limit of normal)
* History of gastrointestinal bleeding or NSAIDs induced GI adverse events
* Concomitant dual-antiplatelet use or anticoagulants
* Concomitant anti-inflammatory or steroidal drugs
* Known bleeding disorder(s)
* Patients with a solitary kidney or history of a kidney transplant
* Any other medical contraindication to NSAIDs

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Elevated Serum PSAPSA
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.