title: Aspirin as a chemoprevention agent for colorectal cancer.
abstract: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of mortality in the western world. It is widely accepted that neoplasms such as colonic polyps are precursors to CRC formation; with the polyp-adenoma-carcinoma sequences well described in medical literature [1, 2]. It has been shown that Aspirin and other non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) have a negative effect on polyp and cancer formation. This review aims to describe some of the mechanism behind the chemoprotective properties of aspirin; COX 2 inhibition, regulation of proliferation and apoptosis and effects on the immune system and also the current evidence that supports its use as a chemoprevention agent against CRC. We will also aim to explore the side effects with the use of aspirin and the pitfalls of using aspirin routinely for primary prophylaxis against CRC.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Centre for Health sciences, Adelaide and Meath, Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. chunseng75@yahoo.co.uk
authors.forename: Chun Seng
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Deirdre
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: McNamara
authors.forename: Colm A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: O'Morain
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000191:economics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001241:Aspirin / Q000191:economics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D001241:Aspirin