Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the prevention of colon cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To summarize the results of animal and human studies of the effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on neoplastic growth in the colon and to outline the possible mechanisms involved.


METHODS
Research articles published in English before June 1992 were identified from MEDLINE.


METHODS
Nine articles on the polyp-cancer sequence were reviewed, 8 on the apparent pathophysiologic aspects of tumour inhibition by NSAIDs and 22 on animal and human research into the effect of NSAIDs on colon carcinogenesis.


RESULTS
The results of animal and human research into the anticarcinogenic effect of NSAIDs suggest that the drugs are effective in preventing tumour growth in the colon.


CONCLUSIONS
Intervention studies in humans are necessary to elucidate the therapeutic possibilities of NSAIDs, particularly in populations at increased risk for the development of colon cancer.
Turner
D
D
Division of Epidemiology and Preventive Oncology, Alberta Cancer Board, Edmonton.
Berkel
H J
HJ
D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003111:Colonic Polyps / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal