title: The role of chemoprevention of colorectal cancer with 5-aminosalicylates in ulcerative colitis.
abstract: 5-aminosalicylates (5-ASA) are widely used to treat patients with ulcerative colitis. Experimental data suggest that these agents can potentially be used in a chemopreventive fashion to inhibit the development of colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CRC); however, observational studies investigating a possible risk reduction of CRC by 5-ASA therapy have revealed conflicting results. Currently, it appears that 5-ASA have no or only a very limited effect as a deterrence against CRC. Thus, a general recommendation for long-term use of 5-ASA solely for chemopreventive measures is not warranted.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. hherf@med.unc.edu
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Herfarth
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000236:Adenoma / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D019804:Mesalamine / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D019804:Mesalamine