title: [Does 5-ASA prevent development of colon cancer in ulcerative colitis?].
abstract: Several case control studies have demonstrated that in patients with ulcerative colitis, ingestion of 5-ASA is correlated with a reduced risk of developing colon cancer. A recent editorial in The American Journal of Gastroenterology concluded that "a 5-ASA tablet a day keeps the cancer away". However, the clinical studies in the meta-analysis upon which this conclusion is based are relatively small, and confounding could explain the observed correlation. A large study in which a chemoprotective effect of 5-ASA could not be found has been presented but has not yet been published. It would be advisable to wait for further documentation before 5-ASA is prescribed for chemo prevention of colonic cancer.
authors.affiliation: Arhus Universitetshospital, Aalborg Sygehus, Medicinsk Gastroenterologisk Afdeling. u19017@aas.nja.dk
authors.forename: Jan F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Fallingborg
mesh_terms: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D019804:Mesalamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013607:Tablets
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D013607:Tablets; D019804:Mesalamine