Abstract CN04-01: Aspirin for cancer prevention: Are we there yet?

Abstract

Abstract Remarkably consistent experimental and epidemiologic evidence demonstrates that aspirin is associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer. Four placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials (RCTs) among individuals with a history of colorectal neoplasia showed that aspirin reduced the risk of recurrent adenomas, the precursors of the vast majority of cancers. Nonetheless, in 2007 the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended against the routine use of aspirin to prevent colorectal cancer in individuals at average risk. However, since the USPSTF statement, new information has emerged, persuasively making the case for a broader role for aspirin in cancer prevention. These data include long-term follow-up of a RCT of aspirin among individuals with Lynch syndrome, a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome and secondary analyses of RCTs of aspirin for cardiovascular prevention. The latter collection of studies also showed a lower risk of all cancer and cancer-related deaths among individuals randomized to aspirin, a finding which could substantially alter the risk-benefit calculus for regular aspirin use in the general population. In addition, there are mounting data supporting an association between aspirin use and improved outcomes among colorectal cancer survivors. In this presentation, we will review the evidence supporting a role for aspirin in the prevention and treatment of cancer, with a focus on novel strategies for risk stratification. Citation Format: Andrew T. Chan. Aspirin for cancer prevention: Are we there yet? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research; 2012 Oct 16-19; Anaheim, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Prev Res 2012;5(11 Suppl):Abstract nr CN04-01.