The reduced risk of colorectal cancer associated with taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be limited to individuals already at risk due to elevations in a particular inflammatory factor in the blood, according to a news release by Massachusetts General Hospital.
Many studies have found reduced incidence of colorectal cancer among individuals who regularly take aspirin or other NSAIDs. After identifying 280 patients who developed colorectal cancer during the last 14 years and 555 age-matched controls who did not, the research team analyzed their baseline levels of three inflammatory factors: C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-2.
Researchers found no association between levels of CRP or IL-6 and risk of developing colorectal cancer. However, participants with the highest levels of sTNFR-2 had a 60 percent greater risk than those with the lowest levels of the factor. In addition, the reduced risk of developing colorectal tumors associated with regularly taking aspirin or NSAIDs was primarily seen among participants with high baseline sTNFR-2 levels.
Read the news release about aspirin's impact on colorectal cancer.
Read other coverage about colorectal cancer:
- ASGE New Initiative Issues Report on Diminutive Colorectal Polyps
- 'Good' Cholesterol Could Cut Risk of Colon Cancer
- Study: GoLytely More Effective Bowel Prep Than MiraLAX
Many studies have found reduced incidence of colorectal cancer among individuals who regularly take aspirin or other NSAIDs. After identifying 280 patients who developed colorectal cancer during the last 14 years and 555 age-matched controls who did not, the research team analyzed their baseline levels of three inflammatory factors: C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-2.
Researchers found no association between levels of CRP or IL-6 and risk of developing colorectal cancer. However, participants with the highest levels of sTNFR-2 had a 60 percent greater risk than those with the lowest levels of the factor. In addition, the reduced risk of developing colorectal tumors associated with regularly taking aspirin or NSAIDs was primarily seen among participants with high baseline sTNFR-2 levels.
Read the news release about aspirin's impact on colorectal cancer.
Read other coverage about colorectal cancer:
- ASGE New Initiative Issues Report on Diminutive Colorectal Polyps
- 'Good' Cholesterol Could Cut Risk of Colon Cancer
- Study: GoLytely More Effective Bowel Prep Than MiraLAX